Exotic hardwoods offer unique aesthetics and characteristics that can elevate woodworking projects. However, working with these woods requires knowledge of their properties, sourcing, and handling. This guide provides an overview to help you make informed decisions.
What Are Exotic Hardwoods?
Exotic hardwoods are timber species not native to North America, often sourced from tropical regions. They are prized for their:
- Distinctive Appearance: Unique colors, grains, and patterns.
- Durability: High density and resistance to wear.
- Workability: Varies by species; some are challenging to work with.
Considerations When Working with Exotic Hardwoods
Workability
- Tool Wear: High-density woods can dull tools quickly.
- Machining: Some species may chip or splinter; sharp tools and proper techniques are essential.
Health and Safety
- Dust: Fine dust from certain species can be toxic or allergenic.
- Protective Gear: Always use masks and ensure proper ventilation.
Finishing
- Oil Content: Natural oils can interfere with adhesives and finishes.
- Preparation: Cleaning surfaces with solvents may be necessary before finishing.
Sustainability
- Sourcing: Ensure wood is harvested responsibly.
- Certifications: Look for FSC or similar certifications to support sustainable practices.
Popular Exotic Hardwood Species
Padauk
- Uses - Furniture (indoor), Cabinets, flooring, veneer
- Sources - Western Africa
- Characteristics - Coarse Texture, good interlocked grain
- Workability - Machines well with carbide blades or bits
- Finishing - Very clean finish and good stain absorber
- Price - Moderate to Expensive
Zebrawood
- Uses - Good for inlay, furniture, cabinetry
- Sources - Western Africa
- Characteristics - Interlocked grain, light and dark patterns
- Workability - Machines well with carbide blades or bits. Will dull quicker
- Finishing - Hard to stain evenly
- Price - Expensive
Wenge
- Uses - Decorative Veneer
- Sources - Africa
- Characteristics - Heavy, dense, straight grain, coarse
- Workability - Machines well with carbide blades or bits. Need to drill pilot holes before screws.
- Finishing - Fill in pores, but after very clean finish and good stain absorber
- Price - Moderate
Honduras Mahogany
- Uses - Furniture (Indoor & Outdoor), Veneer, boating
- Sources - Central and South America
- Characteristics - Straight grain, interlock grain
- Workability - Machines well with carbide blades or bits.
- Finishing - Very clean finish and good stain absorber
- Price - Moderate
Purpleheart
- Uses - Inlays, Furniture (indoor & outdoor), pool cues
- Sources - Central and South America
- Characteristics - Straight grain, coarse texture
- Workability - Very high in gum deposits, difficult to machine will dull blades and bits.
- Finishing - Very clean finish and good stain absorber
- Price - Moderate
Teak
- Uses - Boats, Furniture (indoor & outdoor), flooring
- Sources - Southern Asia, Africa, Caribbean
- Characteristics - Dense, Hard, Straight Grain, Oily texture.
- Workability - Oil surface, need to clean before applying adhesives.
- Finishing - Good for oil finishes
- Price - Expensive
Rosewood
- Uses - Furniture, Cabinets, flooring, veneer, musical instruments
- Sources - Mostly Southern India
- Characteristics - Interlocked grain coarse texture.
- Workability - Machines well with carbide blades or bits. Will dull blades quicker.
- Finishing - Very clean finish and good stain absorber
- Price - Expensive
Tips for Working with Exotic Hardwoods
Final Thoughts
Exotic hardwoods can add unparalleled beauty and uniqueness to your projects. By understanding their properties and handling requirements, you can work safely and effectively, creating pieces that stand out.