About
ChacoWood, the flagship brand of the Netherlands-based INPA Parket, represents a sophisticated synthesis of raw material excellence and precision manufacturing. Founded in 1968, INPA has spent over half a century establishing a vertically integrated supply chain that spans from the managed forests of the Gran Chaco region in South America to advanced finishing facilities in Europe. For architects and interior designers, ChacoWood is not merely a flooring product; it is a specification-ready system designed to address the rigorous demands of modern construction. The brand’s mission centers on the responsible extraction of unique timber species, ensuring that luxury flooring remains compatible with environmental stewardship and long-term structural performance.
The ChacoWood portfolio is categorized by construction methods that allow for diverse application across commercial, hospitality, and high-end residential sectors. Understanding these formats is essential for facility managers and specifiers assessing life-cycle costs and installation constraints.
ChacoWood differentiates itself through the visual complexity of its South American species. While the industry often defaults to White Oak or Walnut, ChacoWood introduces a palette of high-density hardwoods that support unique biophilic design approaches.
Species such as Morado (Bolivian Rosewood) offer deep violet and chocolate tones with striking grain patterns, suitable for focal-point hospitality interiors. Curupau and Tajibo (Lapacho) provide a range of olive, reddish-brown, and dark umber hues that age gracefully, developing a rich patina over time. The "Scarving Xperience" finishing technique further expands design flexibility by offering distressed, aged, or textured surfaces. These finishes allow designers to specify "new" floors that carry the character of reclaimed timber, aligning with rustic-modern or industrial-chic aesthetics.
For the specification professional, the technical data of ChacoWood species often exceeds that of temperate hardwoods. Many of the species utilized have Janka hardness ratings significantly higher than White Oak (which averages 1,360 lbf). For example, Tajibo can reach ratings exceeding 3,000 lbf, making it virtually impervious to high-heel indentations and heavy furniture movement in commercial lobbies or retail spaces.
Dimensional Stability: The DuoPlank construction is engineered to provide a low coefficient of expansion. When properly acclimated, these floors maintain tight seams even in larger open-plan layouts. Maintenance requirements typically involve standard professional-grade wood cleaners, though the specific finish (UV oil vs. lacquer) will dictate the rejuvenation cycle. For facility managers, the high density of these woods translates to a slower wear rate, extending the time between deep sanding and refinishing cycles.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the ChacoWood brand. The company operates its own forest management in Paraguay, adhering to strict reforestation and selective harvesting protocols. This vertical integration ensures that the chain of custody is transparent and verifiable. Many ChacoWood products carry FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, which is critical for projects seeking LEED or BREEAM accreditation. By focusing on species that are indigenous to the Chaco region, the brand promotes the value of standing forests, providing an economic incentive for forest preservation over land conversion for agriculture.
In practice, ChacoWood is frequently specified in environments where aesthetic distinction must be matched by physical resilience. In high-end retail, the Industrial line provides an avant-garde floor that can withstand constant foot traffic while masking minor abrasions. In multi-family residential developments, the DuoPlank system offers the luxury of exotic hardwood with the stability required for modern concrete-slab construction and radiant heating. Architects focusing on biophilic design often utilize the raw, unrefined textures of ChacoWood to create a sensory connection to the natural world, bridging the gap between the built environment and the forest.
ChacoWood Flooring represents a high-performance solution for professionals who refuse to compromise between exotic aesthetics and technical reliability. Through its DuoPlank stability, high-density South American species, and commitment to FSC-certified forestry, the brand offers a specification-ready system that meets the demands of 21st-century architecture. For facility managers, the durability of these hardwoods ensures long-term value, while architects and designers benefit from a unique material palette that elevates the interior experience.
To further evaluate these materials for your next project, the next step is to review specific technical datasheets and species-specific Janka ratings. Professionals are encouraged to request physical samples to experience the grain texture and finish quality firsthand, or contact a specification representative to discuss custom dimensions and finishing options tailored to unique project requirements.
