Exotic hardwoods
At The Curly Grain, I specialize in creating functional art pieces from the enchanting beauty of exotic hardwoods.
Each piece is a testament to the raw elegance found in nature, meticulously crafted to showcase the genuine, untouched splendor of these exceptional woods. Sourced from sustainable forests, my products exclusively feature exotic hardwoods renowned for their unique patterns and vibrant colors.
What sets my creations apart is the absence of dyes or paints; I let the natural beauty of the wood shine, allowing its authenticity to elevate every occasion.
Click below to read about each of these beautiful woods.
Padauk
Common Name(s):
African padauk, vermillion
Scientific Name:
Pterocarpus soyauxii
Distribution:
Central and tropical west Africa
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The Tree
A straight, well shaped tree. Reaches 100 feet with a buttressed trunk which may be 48” at breast height.
Appearance
Heartwood color can vary, ranging from a pale pinkish orange to a deep brownish red. Most pieces tend to start reddish orange when freshly cut, darkening substantially over time to a reddish/purplish brown. Padauks initial orange coloration can be preserved through various finishing procedures.
Properties
Texture coarse; grain straight to interlocked; lustrous; faint aromatic scent when freshly cut. Sawdust may cause respiratory problems.
Working Properties
Saws well but requires slow feed, easy to machine but with some tearing of interlocked grain, takes a good finish, glues easily and holds nails and screws satisfactorily.
Uses
Fine joinery, fancy turnery, carvings, flooring, decorative veneer, tool and knife handles.
Availability
Can be difficult to find, moderately priced compared to other imports.
Wenge
Common Name(s):
Wenge
Scientific Name:
Millettia laurentii
Distribution:
Central Africa: Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Zaire
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The Tree
The tree is described as medium sized, and attains a height of 50 to 60 foot and a trunk diameter of 30 to 36 inches.
Appearance
The heartwood is dark brown, mostly black, with fine, closely spaced, very dark veins and white lines. The combination of white bands against the dark wood with black streaks gives Wenge a very attractive appearance.
Properties
The grain is fairly straight to slightly roey. The appearance of the wood has been described as expressive. The wood is medium to coarse in texture. Luster is reported to be low.
Working Properties
Wenge is fairly easy to work with machine tools. Popular as a good turnery wood. It is rather difficult to glue because of the presence of resin cells. The wood responds well to hand tools.
Uses
Flooring, Cabinetmaking, Musical instruments , Joinery, Furniture.
Availability
Wenge is reported to be always in limited supply on the US market. Some reasons for this are low yield from logs. Prices are reported to be often in the high range.
Purpleheart
Common Name(s):
Purpleheart, amaranth, roxinho, violeta
Scientific Name:
Peltogyne spp.
Distribution:
Central and South America (from Mexico down to southern Brazil)
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The Tree
A tall tree 120 feet or more, producing a long, straight trunk about 36 inches in diameter.
Appearance
Heartwood brown when freshly cut becoming deep purple upon exposure, eventually turning to a dark brown sharply demarcated from the off-white sapwood.
Properties
Texture medium to fine; luster medium to high, variable; grain usually straight, sometimes wavy, roey, or irregular; without distinctive odor or taste.
Working Properties
Moderately difficult to work with either hand or machine tools, dulls cutters, exudes a gummy resin when heated by dull tools; slow feed rates and specially hardened cutters are suggested. Turns smoothly, easy to glue, and takes finishes well.
Uses
Turnery, marquetry, cabinets, fine furniture, parquet flooring, tool handles, billiard cue butts, carving.
Availability
Supplies are reported to be ample, but the wood is fairly expensive. Purpleheart is available in the US in both the lumber and veneer forms.
African Mahogany
Common Name(s):
African mahogany, khaya, acajou d’Afrique
Scientific Name:
Khaya spp., (primarily A. anthotheca and A. ivorensis (more information here)
Distribution:
Tropical Africa
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The Tree
The tree is reported to reach heights of 110 to 140 feet, with trunk diameters of up to 6 feet. The tree usually develops straight, well-formed boles that measure about 40 to 80 feet above strong buttresses that are reported to be up to 8 feet high.
Appearance
Heartwood is a reddish brown, also exhibiting an optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy.
Properties
The grain is typically interlocked, but is sometimes straight. Interlocked grain usually produces a striped or roey figure on quartersawn surfaces. Swirl and crotch figures are also reported to be common.
Working Properties
Easy to work, glue, and finish. Tearout can sometimes be a problem if the grain is interlocked.
Uses
Plywood, turned items, furniture, boat-building, and interior trim.
Availability
Usually moderately priced considering the lumber is consider an exotic wood species. African Mahogany in the Khaya genus is considered to be a valid substitute for Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
I am committed to your well-being and the planet.
That’s why I use mineral oil and beeswax – natural, food-safe substances – to enhance and protect the wood grain. This ensures that my products are entirely free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for your family and the environment.
With The Curly Grain, you’re not just acquiring functional pieces; you’re welcoming artistry and nature’s brilliance into your home.
Experience the harmonious blend of craftsmanship, safety, and sustainability with my exquisite creations.
Data sourced from The Wood Database and Austin Hardwoods of Denver.