Purpleheart by the Piece

True to its name, purpleheart boasts vibrant purple heartwood, and a fine, satiny texture. Initially a dull brown, it takes on its brilliant tone shortly after the wood is cut. The sapwood is creamy, pinkish cinnamon. It has exceptionally high bending and crushing strength, is dimensionally stable, and is extremely resistant to decay. All boards are machined S4S to 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses. Thin boards are well-suited for edging, veneering, marquetry, sides for decorative boxes, bending stock and bent laminations, while the thicker boards are ideal for furniture, paneling, cabinet doors, moldings, drawer sides, fine jewelry boxes and whatever else your imagination can dream up!

• Alternate name: Peltogyne.
• Tree: Usually tall, with a height of about 100 to 150 feet and a diameter of up to 48 inches, usually between 18 and 36 inches.
• Heartwood: Initially dull brown, rapidly changing to a bright, vibrant purple. Prolonged exposure darkens wood to a dark-purplish brown or dark brown, but the original color can be preserved with a UV inhibitor. Color variation among boards is reported to be moderate to high. Presence of minerals in some boards may cause uneven coloration and steaming is reported to affect the color.
• Light & Air-Induced Changes: Treatment against the effects of ultra-violet rays maintainss the original color of the wood. Treatment with Armorall, the car finish product, under lacquer is reported to hold the color well.
• Grain: Typically straight, occasionally wavy or irregular.
• Texture: Medium to fine.
• Luster: Medium to high.
• Movement: Very dimensionally stable.
• Natural Durability: Highly resistant to attack by decay fungi, very resistant to dry-wood termites, and somewhat resistant to attack by marine borers. Also reported to be resistant to chemicals such as acids.
• Cutting Resistance: Purpleheart is moderately difficult to saw. Tools usually require frequent sharpening. A reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees is recommended, especially when planing and moulding material with interlocked or wavy grain.
• Nailing: The wood requires to be pre-bored, but nail-holding capabilities are reported to be good.
• Steam Bending: The wood steam bends fairly well.
• Strength Properties: Bending strength in the air-dry condition is very high, and crushing strength is exceptionally high. It does not mar or dent easily, and is very heavy and dense.