The Striking Truth About Purpleheart Wood

Here at The Honest Chisel, we believe wood tells a story. From our workshop serving South Alabama and Northwest Florida, we’ve seen how the right material can turn a simple project into a masterpiece. And when it comes to making a statement, few woods can match the stunning, regal beauty of Purpleheart.

If you’ve never seen it, you’re in for a treat. Purpleheart is one of the few woods in the world that is naturally, vibrantly purple. It’s a showstopper, and it’s the perfect species to kick off our first deep dive on The Honest Grain.

From Rainforest Royalty to Your Home

Purpleheart, known scientifically as Peltogyne, grows in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. For centuries, its unique color has made it a symbol of luxury and royalty. But the most amazing part is its transformation. When first cut, Purpleheart can look like a plain, grayish-brown wood. But once it’s exposed to UV light and oxygen, a breathtaking chemical reaction occurs, and the wood deepens into a rich, eggplant purple.

The Grain of Truth: Key Facts

Appearance: Its grain is typically straight and fine, which creates a smooth, consistent look. But the real star is the color—a deep, luxurious purple that stands out in any application.

Hardness & Durability: This is not a delicate wood. With a Janka hardness rating around 2,510 lbf, Purpleheart is incredibly dense and tough—harder than hard maple and white oak combined. This makes it exceptionally resistant to dents, scratches, and decay.

Workability: Honesty is in our name, so here’s the truth: its strength can make it a challenge. Purpleheart is so dense that it can dull blades and bits more quickly than other woods. It can also secrete a sticky resin when it gets hot, so working with sharp tools and a steady pace is key.

Where Does Purpleheart Shine?

Its durability and stunning looks make it perfect for projects that need to be both beautiful and tough. We love using it for:

• High-Impact Accents: Its color makes it ideal for inlays in our  or as a centerpiece in one of our .
• Small, Elegant Gifts: Think jewelry boxes, pens, and other  that get handled often and need to last.
• Heavy-Duty Applications: Because it stands up so well to wear and water, you'll also find it used in flooring, boat building, and even our durable, handcrafted .

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unbelievable Natural Color: No stain or dye required.
• Extremely Durable: Resists wear, rot, and insects.
• Water-Resistant: A great choice for items exposed to the elements.

Cons:

• Tough on Tools: Its density requires sharp blades and patience.
• Color Can Fade: Without protection, prolonged UV exposure can cause the purple to slowly fade to a dark brown.
• Higher Cost: As an exotic hardwood, it’s a premium material.

Our Pro-Tip for Finishing

The biggest question we get is how to keep the purple color vibrant. The trick is to manage its UV exposure. After sanding, you can briefly expose the wood to sunlight to bring out the deepest purple. Then, to lock it in, use a high-quality finish with a UV protectant, like an exterior-grade varnish or specific marine sealers. This acts like sunscreen for the wood, preserving that incredible color for years to come.

A Wood with Character

Purpleheart is more than just a novelty; it’s a robust, beautiful material that challenges us as craftsmen and rewards the owner with a truly one-of-a-kind piece. Its blend of exotic beauty and rugged strength is exactly what we love to work with at The Honest Chisel, allowing us to create pieces that are as beautiful as they are useful.

Have a project in mind that needs a splash of unforgettable color? Or have you worked with Purpleheart yourself? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

– Mike & Steve, The Honest Chisel