Exotic Hardwoods

When it comes to choosing exotic hardwoods, you may feel as though you have a lot of work a head of you! The sheer amount of dazzling choices of rare wood available to you can be quite stressful indeed. However, there are lots of ways to narrow down your search and select the perfect wood for you.

Exotic hardwoods come in a wide assortment of price ranges, colors, and quality. Some, such as mahogany or ebony, are being harvested to the point of near extinction in some areas, and thus are often very expensive indeed. Others, such as maple or teak, aren’t quite so rare.

Oftentimes lumberyards are able to purchase large amount of exotic hardwoods due to the fact that much of the wood was actually grown on plantations rather than in native forests. There are a few advantages to purchasing plantation grown wood. Not only does it have a more positive effect on the environment, but lumber grown in mad made areas tends to have a lower risk of having tree rot, insect infestations, mold, or other damaging mishaps.

Before you visit your nearest exotic lumberyard, it’s important to research different species of exotic hardwoods beforehand. It’s also important to keep your project and your budget firmly in mind.

For example, do you plan on building a new deck? While it’s tempting to go with the most extravagant, vivid looking exotic hardwoods available, it’s a good idea to slow down and research which kinds would be the best for standing up to such elements as sun, heat, rain, hail, insects, and other elements of nature. Teak, redwood, and ipe are all durable, dense woods known for their beautiful colors and high resistance toward water, insect infestation, and heat.

Smaller indoor projects, however, may be cause for different consideration. Are you planning on installing new wooden countertops? There are thousands of wonderfully organic colors to choose from, but it’s also important to purchase exotic hardwoods that are resistant toward heat, scratches, and staining, especially for kitchens. In situations such as this, cedar, zebrawood, and others are all fine choices.

Finally, if you want to add an unforgettable look for a smaller project, such as a custom made pen, a handmade guitar, a wooden jewelry box, or knife handles, exotic hardwoods such as colobolo, jatoba, padauk, or East Indian rosewood are all stunning, elegant choices for adding that extra special look to your work.