OUR MATERIALS || EXOTIC HARDWOOD || PURPLE HEART WOOD
PURPLE HEART WOOD
Alternative Names & Variations: Purpleheart, Amaranth, Amendoim, Violet Wood
Color: Deep Purple or Dark Brown with Purple Hints
Hardness: Very Hard
Sustainability Status: Moderately Sustainable. To protect endangered tropical rainforests and dissuade illegal logging, only source Purple Heart wood from reputable lumberyards for small projects.
Characteristics: Purple Heart wood is renowned for its distinctive deep purple color, making it a sought-after choice in woodworking. Purple Heart gradually darkens from eggplant purple to dark brown with purple undertones when aged and exposed to light. The wood's striking color results from high levels of natural pigmentation acting as a natural defense mechanism.
Apart from its captivating appearance, Purple Heart wood is also one of the hardest and most durable woods available: Its tight, fine grain and medium texture contribute to its overall appeal, while its density and interlocking grain structure ensure strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Purple Heart wood's sustainability status varies among species: while some are listed as endangered due to limited habitat in the Amazon and illegal harvesting, many commonly harvested Purple Heart wood species are abundant. Sustainable sourcing from reputable lumberyards is imperative to support conservation efforts.
STRENGTHS
-
Purple Heart Wood’s unique and enduring purple color, sourced from natural pigments, sets it apart in aesthetic appeal.
-
Purple Heart wood's density and interlocking grain structure contribute to high resistance against wear and abrasion. The presence of natural oils enhances durability, protects against moisture, and provides a distinctive sheen.
-
Purple Heart Wood finds applications in diverse areas, including flooring, turnery, furniture, and exterior trim.
WEAKNESSES
-
Purple Heart wood can be fairly expensive due to its unique color and durability.
-
Purple Heart wood’s vibrant purple color may fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight.
-
Controversy surrounds its use, as two species classified as purple heart wood face endangerment in parts of the Amazon rainforest where they were once abundant. To prioritize conservation, it's crucial to obtain your Purple Heart wood from reputable lumberyards that verify the sources of their lumber. This ensures your materials are not sourced from endangered species, and you avoid unintentionally supporting illegal logging.
PURPLE HEART WOOD ALTERNATIVES
WALNUT WOOD
BLOODWOOD
CHERRY WOOD