Purpleheart (2026)
Peltogyne spp. • Central & South America
Exotic Hardwood
$$-$$$
Purpleheart is famous for its distinctive purple color.
Key Takeaways
- Purpleheart has a Janka hardness of 2,520 lbf and density of 56 lbs/ft³.
- Common uses include Decorative flooring, Turnings, Inlays.
- Color: Gray-purple to deep purple, fades to brown.
- Low. Use UV inhibitors for color.
Janka Hardness
2,520 lbf
Density
56 lbs/ft³
Moisture
10-12%
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
Class A - 20+ years
Price Range
$$-$$$
Color Characteristics
Gray-purple to deep purple, fades to brown
Key Characteristics
- •Very hard
- •Distinctive purple color
- •Fine texture
- •Straight to irregular grain
- •Good stability
- •Natural decay resistance
- •High luster
- •Color changes
Common Applications
- •Decorative flooring
- •Turnings
- •Inlays
- •Furniture details
- •Cutting boards
- •Specialty items
- •Musical instruments
- •High-end millwork
Maintenance Requirements
Low. Use UV inhibitors for color.
Advantages
- Unique purple color
- Very hard
- Natural decay resistance
- Good stability
- Eye-catching
- Long-lasting
- Good for decorative work
- High luster
Considerations
- Color fades without UV protection
- Expensive
- Hard to work
- Color change inevitable
- Sharp tools needed
- Hard to finish
- Splinters painful
- Dust issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Decorative flooring, Turnings, Inlays, Furniture details, Cutting boards, Specialty items, Musical instruments, High-end millwork.
Purpleheart has a Janka hardness rating of 2,520 lbf, making it a softer wood suitable for Decorative flooring, Turnings, Inlays.
Purpleheart wood is Gray-purple to deep purple, fades to brown. Very hard
Low. Use UV inhibitors for color.
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