EXOTIC HARDWOOD SPECIES

CANARYWOOD ORIGIN: SOUTH AMERICA FROM PANAMA TO BRAZIL

Canarywood is a unique and beautiful species that grows from Panama all the way down through Brazil. It is special in that each piece has varying color and grain pattern. Some pieces have streaks of pink or orange and some are straight grained while others have a swirling pattern.

It is very easily workable and glues and finishes well with a natural luster. Canarywood is available in lumber and a variety of sizes in turning stock.

PADAUK ORIGIN: TROPICAL WEST AFRICA

Paduak is a moderately priced exotic wood that is easy to work with. The bright orangish-red coloring make it perfect for intarsia work and segmented projects like cutting boards and turned items. 

It is very stable and finishes well but needs to be sealed with a UV protectant finish to try and prolong the bright color from darkening.

PURPLEHEART ORIGIN: CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA

Purpleheart is a very recognizable species due to the bright purple coloring. It grows from Mexico through Southern Brazil. It should be noted that the bright purple color will fade to a darker brownish plum. To prolong the color this wood should be finished with a UV protectant and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. 

Purpleheart is very hard and dense which makes it a good accent for projects like cutting boards or other inlay work. It is a very popular wood among woodturners and polishes well. 

WENGE ORIGIN: CENTRAL AFRICA

Wenge is a beautiful and unique hardwood that grows in Central Africa. The dark brown color is accented with a jagged black flame grain. It is very strong and dense which can make it harder to work with but is a popular wood with wood turners.