Purple heart wood is a beautiful and exotic hardwood native to Central and South America, specifically countries like Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Known for its vibrant purple hue, this timber has gained immense popularity in the woodworking industry due to its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to decay.
When freshly cut, purple heart wood exhibits a light brown color. However, upon exposure to air and light, it gradually deepens to a rich purple hue. The color change, known as "oxidative polymerization," is caused by the chemical reaction of the anthocyanin pigments with oxygen.
The unique properties of purple heart wood make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
Purple heart wood is not as readily available as other hardwoods due to its limited supply and slow growth rate. However, it can be found from specialized lumber suppliers and exotic wood dealers. The cost of purple heart wood varies depending on the size, grade, and market demand, but it is generally more expensive than other hardwoods.
Effective Strategies for Working with Purple Heart Wood:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
1. What causes the purple color of purple heart wood?
Answer: The purple color is caused by natural pigments called anthocyanins, which react with oxygen to deepen the color.
2. How hard is purple heart wood?
Answer: Purple heart wood has a Janka hardness rating of 1,820 lbf, making it one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods commercially available.
3. Is purple heart wood durable?
Answer: Yes, purple heart wood is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insects due to its high density and presence of natural oils.
4. What are the common uses of purple heart wood?
Answer: Purple heart wood is used for a wide range of applications, including fine furniture, flooring, musical instruments, outdoor structures, and boat building.
5. How much does purple heart wood cost?
Answer: The cost of purple heart wood varies depending on the size, grade, and market demand, but it is generally more expensive than other hardwoods.
6. Is purple heart wood easy to work with?
Answer: Purple heart wood is a dense and hard material, but it can be worked with standard woodworking techniques. It is important to use sharp cutting tools and a slow feed rate to avoid chipping or tearing.
Property | Value |
---|---|
Density | 70 lb/ft³ (1,120 kg/m³) |
Janka Hardness | 1,820 lbf |
Modulus of Rupture | 17,000 psi (117 MPa) |
Modulus of Elasticity | 2.5 million psi (17.2 GPa) |
Shear Strength | 2,200 psi (15.2 MPa) |
Application | Description |
---|---|
Fine Furniture | Tables, chairs, cabinets, desks |
Flooring | Residential and commercial flooring |
Musical Instruments | Fretboards, necks, bodies of guitars, basses, drums |
Outdoor Structures | Decks, fences, pergolas |
Boat Building | Decks, hulls, frames |
Region | Availability | Cost |
---|---|---|
United States | Limited | \$12-20 per board foot |
Europe | Limited | €20-30 per board foot |
Brazil | Abundant | R$10-15 per board foot |
Purple heart wood is a captivating and valuable hardwood that offers an exquisite blend of beauty, strength, and durability. Its wide range of applications, from elegant furniture to resilient flooring to marine structures, makes it a versatile and highly sought-after material. With careful planning, proper handling, and a touch of creativity, purple heart wood can elevate any project into a masterpiece. Its deep purple hue, exceptional hardness, and rot resistance will ensure that it remains a timeless and cherished material for years to come.
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