Purpleheart Wood: A Simple Guide to the Purple Hardwood

Purpleheart wood is one of the most unusual and beautiful woods in the world. As the name suggests, this wood has a natural purple color, which makes it stand out from almost every other type of wood. People use it to make furniture, floors, musical instruments, and even heavy construction projects.

But while Purpleheart is strong and beautiful, it can also be difficult to work with. It dulls tools quickly, can burn when cut too fast, and changes color over time. It also raises questions about sustainability, since it comes from tropical rainforests.

This guide explains Purpleheart in simple terms: where it comes from, what it looks like, how strong it is, what it is used for, and how to take care of it.

1. Where Purpleheart Comes From

• Scientific name: Peltogyne

• Species: Around 20–23 types of trees

• Region: Central and South America (Brazil, Suriname, Guyana)

• Tree size: Can grow taller than 150 feet, with wide trunks

These large trees provide long, strong boards that are popular in woodworking and construction.

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2. What Purpleheart Looks Like

The most famous thing about Purpleheart is its color.

• Freshly cut: light grayish-brown or dull purple

• After a few days: bright violet or purple color

• After months or years: dark purple-brown

Other details:

• Grain: usually straight, sometimes wavy or irregular

• Texture: medium to fine

• Shine: wood has a natural luster (shiny look) when polished

3. Strength and Properties

Purpleheart is a very hard and heavy wood. Below are some common numbers:

In simple words: Purpleheart is harder, stronger, and more durable than most common woods.

4. Working With Purpleheart

Purpleheart is tough, which makes it both good and bad.

Problems when working with it:

• Dulls saw blades and cutters quickly

• Burns or becomes gummy if cut too fast

• Can split if nails or screws are not pre-drilled

• Hard to glue because of its density

• Grain can tear out when planing

Tips for working with Purpleheart:

• Use carbide-tipped tools (stay sharper longer)

• Work slowly to avoid burning

• Always drill holes before nailing or screwing

• Use UV-protective finishes to slow color change

Read also: Acacia Wood

5. Safety Concerns

Purpleheart is safe as furniture or flooring, but dust from cutting or sanding can cause problems.

Possible reactions:

• Itchy skin or rash

• Burning eyes

• Breathing trouble (sneezing, coughing, or tight chest)

• Feeling sick or dizzy (in rare cases)

Safety steps:

• Wear a mask or respirator

• Use dust collection or vacuum tools

• Wear gloves and safety glasses

6. What Purpleheart Is Used For

Purpleheart is used in many ways because it is both strong and beautiful.

Everyday and decorative uses:

• Furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets)

• Floors (solid or parquet)

• Veneers and inlays (thin slices for decoration)

• Turned objects (pens, bowls, ornaments)

• Musical instruments (guitars, drums, violin bows)

Heavy-duty uses:

• Boatbuilding

• Bridges and outdoor structures

• Industrial flooring

• Tool handles

Its purple color makes it popular for showpiece furniture and fine woodworking.

7. Environmental Concerns

Purpleheart comes from tropical rainforests. That means there are questions about whether it is harvested in a sustainable way.

• Not endangered: Most species are not listed as endangered by the IUCN.

• Not banned: Purpleheart as a group is not listed under CITES (international trade rules).

• But…: Cutting tropical forests can still harm the environment, even if the species is not endangered.

Some eco-friendly sellers suggest using local woods instead, such as:

• Walnut (rich brown color)

• Cherry (reddish-brown, gets darker with age)

• Cedar (good for outdoor use, resists rot)

Read also: Turpentine Wood

8. Price and Availability

Purpleheart is available in many lumber stores and online. Prices are higher than domestic woods.

Larger, wide boards are more expensive. Smaller blanks are affordable for hobby projects.

9. Taking Care of Purpleheart

One of the biggest questions people ask is: How do I keep it purple?

Here’s the truth: over time, Purpleheart will darken, no matter what. But you can slow the process.

Ways to protect the color:

• Use finishes with UV blockers (polyurethane or varnish)

• Apply lacquer, which some experts say works best

• Sand and refinish to bring back brightness

Even if the color fades, many people love the rich, dark tone Purpleheart develops with age.

10. What Makes Purpleheart Special

Purpleheart is unique because it combines beauty and strength.

• Natural purple color (rare in wood)

• Very hard and durable

• Resistant to rot, decay, and insects

• Shiny surface when polished

• Glows under blacklight (fun fact!)

11. Pros and Cons

12. Final Thoughts

Purpleheart is a wood of contrasts. It is:

• Beautiful but can lose its purple color.

• Extremely strong but very hard to cut and shape.

• Durable and long-lasting but expensive.

• Exotic and rare but raises environmental concerns.

For woodworkers, Purpleheart is both a challenge and a reward. For buyers, it is a way to own something truly unique. With proper care, Purpleheart can last for decades and remain a striking feature in any project.

In the end, Purpleheart is not just wood—it is a story of beauty, strength, and responsibility.

FAQ

1. Does Purpleheart wood stay purple?

No, Purpleheart does not stay bright purple forever. At first, it is grayish-brown, then turns violet or eggplant purple after a few days. With time and sunlight, it slowly darkens to a deep brownish-purple. Using finishes with UV blockers or lacquer can help slow down the color change.

2. Is Purpleheart wood safe for cutting boards?

Purpleheart is a very hard and dense wood, so it can be used for cutting boards. However, it is not the best choice. The dust from Purpleheart can cause skin and breathing irritation while working with it. Safer options for cutting boards are maple, walnut, or cherry.

3. Why is Purpleheart wood so expensive?

Purpleheart grows in Central and South America and must be imported, which raises costs. It is also very hard and durable, which makes it desirable for specialty projects. Prices usually range from $14 to $45 per board foot.

4. How can I keep Purpleheart wood purple?

To keep the purple color as long as possible, use finishes with UV protection, such as polyurethane or marine varnish. Some woodworkers recommend lacquer as the best option. You can also sand and refinish the surface if it turns brown.

5. Is Purpleheart wood sustainable?

Purpleheart is not listed as endangered, and most species are not under trade restrictions. However, it comes from tropical rainforests, which are sensitive ecosystems. Some eco-conscious suppliers recommend using domestic woods instead, like walnut or cherry, as more sustainable alternatives.

6. What is Purpleheart wood used for?

Purpleheart is used for both decorative and heavy-duty projects. Common uses include furniture, flooring, cabinets, veneers, turned objects, and musical instruments. In its native regions, it is also used for bridges, boatbuilding, and heavy construction.