Purpleheart

Lumber Details:

• 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.