Ash (Fraxinus spp.)

• Origin: Eastern and Central North America

• Why I Use It: Strong and lightweight with a sporty energy — it's been used for baseball bats, tool handles, and high-performance designs for a reason.

• Appearance & Character: Light cream to tan with bold, cathedral grain patterns. Open-pored with excellent shock resistance.

• Unique Traits: Surprisingly easy to work and very responsive to stain.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Ash when I want a board to feel fast and strong — it's a no-nonsense wood with a lively spirit.

Black Limba (Terminalia superba)

• Origin: West Africa

• Why I Use It: Black Limba brings a painterly, artistic feel — dramatic streaking and soft tones make it truly unique.

• Appearance & Character: Pale yellow to golden tan with wild black or brown streaks; straight, open grain with a natural luster.

• Unique Traits: Often used in electric guitars due to its striking look and tonal properties. Lightweight but structurally sound.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Black Limba when a piece needs visual rhythm — it feels like brushstrokes frozen in wood.

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

• Origin: Eastern and Central U.S.

• Why I Use It: Similar to Red Oak, but with a deeper tone and slightly more dramatic appearance.

• Appearance & Character: Medium to dark reddish brown with coarse grain and bold cathedral patterns.

• Unique Traits: Often overlooked, but offers a unique variation on traditional oak aesthetics.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Black Oak when I want the familiarity of oak with a deeper tone and more visual drama.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

• Origin: Eastern United States

• Why I Use It: There's no mistaking walnut. It's dark, rich, and full of depth — the kind of wood that makes people stop and look twice.

• Appearance & Character: Heartwood ranges from deep chocolate to purplish brown with lighter sapwood accents. Grain is generally straight but can include waves and curls.

• Unique Traits: Stable, strong, and naturally beautiful. Rare among domestic species for its dark hue. Takes oil finishes extremely well.

• Craftsman's Note: When I want a piece to feel bold, elegant, or timeless, walnut is the answer. It's the dark suit of the wood world — always in style.

Bolivian Bocote (Cordia spp.)

• Origin: Central and South America, primarily Bolivia and Mexico

• Why I Use It: Bocote has attitude. With bold figuring and wild contrast, it's impossible to ignore and elevates any piece it touches.

• Appearance & Character: Olive to golden brown with dramatic black or dark brown striping. Grain is typically swirly, interlocked, or eye-like in pattern.

• Unique Traits: Oily and dense, but surprisingly easy to work. Natural luster and exotic scent when cut.

• Craftsman's Note: Bocote is a show-stealer. I use it when I want to build something functional that still feels like art.

Calico Maple (Ambrosia Maple)

• Origin: Eastern North America

• Why I Use It: This is maple with attitude. The striking streaks — caused by ambrosia beetles — turn a dependable hardwood into a piece of art.

• Appearance & Character: Creamy base tone marbled with gray, tan, and brown streaks. Grain is smooth but visually wild, often accompanied by small pinholes.

• Unique Traits: The discoloration comes from beetles introducing a harmless fungus into the tree — nature's unintentional artist. No two boards are ever the same.

• Craftsman's Note: I reach for calico maple when I want character and story in a piece — every board is like lightning caught in woodgrain.

Canarywood (Centrolobium spp.)

• Origin: South America

• Why I Use It: Canarywood brings color — natural, swirling, golden tones mixed with orange, pink, and red streaks.

• Appearance & Character: Yellow to orange base with vivid grain streaks; medium texture with natural sheen.

• Unique Traits: Every board is different — like painting with sunshine.

• Craftsman's Note: When I want a piece to feel alive and joyful, I reach for Canarywood. It brightens the whole board.

Cherry (Prunus serotina)

• Origin: Eastern and Midwestern United States

• Why I Use It: Cherry brings warmth to any piece — it works beautifully, smells faintly sweet when cut, and deepens into rich tones over time.

• Appearance & Character: Light pinkish brown when fresh, maturing into a deep reddish brown with exposure to light. Smooth, straight grain with occasional dark flecks.

• Unique Traits: Ages like fine leather. The patina it develops tells the story of years well spent. Easy to shape and a dream to finish.

• Craftsman's Note: I use cherry when I want emotion in the wood — something that grows richer with every day in your home.

Curupay (Curamu) (Anadenanthera colubrina)

• Origin: South America, especially Argentina and Paraguay

• Why I Use It: Extremely dense and dramatic — it's a hardwood with striking visual character and great strength.

• Appearance & Character: Deep reddish brown with black streaking; very fine texture and natural luster.

• Unique Traits: Also known as Patagonian Rosewood. Difficult to work due to its density, but the payoff is a surface like stone.

• Craftsman's Note: When I want something to last, and to look wild doing it, Curupay is my go-to.

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

• Origin: Western North America, especially the Cascade and Rocky Mountain ranges

• Why I Use It: Fir is strong, widely available, and surprisingly expressive. While often used in construction, its golden hues and bold grain deserve a second look in fine work.

• Appearance & Character: Reddish to yellow-brown heartwood with tight growth rings and bold contrast; straight, pronounced grain with a resinous quality.

• Unique Traits: It's technically a softwood, but it's stronger than many hardwoods. Builders love it, but so do artisans who appreciate its strength and honesty.

• Craftsman's Note: Fir has a rustic dignity. I use it when I want to highlight natural grain patterns, especially in larger pieces where structure matters as much as beauty.

English Walnut (Juglans regia)

• Origin: Native to Europe and Asia, cultivated in the U.S.

• Why I Use It: Known for complex figure and color variation, English walnut is less predictable than its cousins — and that's the magic.

• Appearance & Character: A swirl of colors from pale brown to slate gray, sometimes with black striping or marbled figure. Grain can be erratic, often stunning.

• Unique Traits: Often harvested from trees that also produce culinary walnuts — making it a wood with both beauty and legacy.

• Craftsman's Note: English walnut has soul. I reach for it when I want to make a one-of-a-kind statement that can't be replicated.

Hard Maple / Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

• Origin: Northeastern United States and Canada

• Why I Use It: Hard maple is the gold standard for cutting boards and butcher blocks — tight-grained, food-safe, and tough as nails.

• Appearance & Character: Light, creamy white with a fine, consistent grain. Occasionally features curl, quilt, or birdseye figure for extra visual interest.

• Unique Traits: Extremely dense and durable, yet finishes to a glass-smooth polish. Used for everything from musical instruments to bowling lanes.

• Craftsman's Note: Maple brings structure and confidence to my builds. It's a wood that quietly performs under pressure — dependable, honest, and clean.

Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril)

• Origin: Central and South America

• Why I Use It: Also known as Brazilian Cherry, it offers both looks and muscle. It's incredibly hard and beautiful.

• Appearance & Character: Medium reddish brown that deepens over time. Often features shimmering grain with subtle figure.

• Unique Traits: Used in flooring for its toughness. Can be difficult to machine without sharp tools.

• Craftsman's Note: Jatoba is strength and elegance. It holds edges well and feels refined — perfect for heirloom-grade builds.

Leopardwood (Roupala montana)

• Origin: Central and South America

• Why I Use It: It's all in the name — when quarter-sawn, Leopardwood reveals shimmering, scale-like flecks across its face.

• Appearance & Character: Medium brown with silvery, iridescent flecks; coarse texture and strong figure.

• Unique Traits: Not to be confused with Lacewood, though they're similar. Leopardwood has denser flecking and a deeper tone.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Leopardwood sparingly — it's best where the light can catch its sparkle

Macassar Ebony (Diospyros celebica)

• Origin: Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia

• Why I Use It: This is luxury in wood form — intensely dark and naturally striped like marble or smoke.

• Appearance & Character: Jet black with high-contrast streaks of golden brown or red. Heavy and very dense with a smooth polish.

• Unique Traits: One of the most visually dramatic woods in the world. Finishes like stone.

• Craftsman's Note: When I want elegance, power, and complexity — Macassar delivers. It's wood for the spotlight.

Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

• Origin: Pacific Northwest, primarily Oregon and Northern California

• Why I Use It: As a native species, Madrone tells a regional story — and brings unexpected beauty with its color and complexity.

• Appearance & Character: Pinkish tan to warm reddish brown, often with subtle curl or flame figure.

• Unique Traits: Difficult to dry but machines and polishes beautifully. Often salvaged or reclaimed due to limited harvest.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Madrone when I want to offer something distinctly local — it's soft-spoken but quietly stunning.Item description

Mahogany (Khaya or Honduran species)

• Origin: Central America (Honduran) and Africa (Khaya)

• Why I Use It: Mahogany is timeless — strong, resonant, and easy to work. It's been a favorite of boatbuilders and cabinetmakers for centuries.

• Appearance & Character: Rich reddish brown with occasional golden undertones; straight to interlocked grain.

• Unique Traits: Excellent stability and resonance; often used in guitars and heirloom furniture. Deepens with oil finishes.

• Craftsman's Note: Mahogany is about balance — beauty, strength, and tradition all in one board.

Myrtlewood (Umbellularia californica)

• Origin: Coastal Oregon and Northern California

• Why I Use It: As a local gem, Myrtlewood offers a kaleidoscope of color and character — no two pieces are ever alike.

• Appearance & Character: Green-gray to yellow, brown, or purplish tones with swirling, marbled figure and a fragrant scent.

• Unique Traits: Myrtle is native and wild — and carries a rich regional story. Works beautifully and smells wonderful.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Myrtlewood for pieces that tell a local story — it's soulful, unpredictable, and full of personality.

Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii)

• Origin: Central and Western Africa

• Why I Use It: For its fire. Padauk looks like it's glowing — and it brings incredible durability to the table.

• Appearance & Character: Intense reddish-orange that darkens to deep brick red over time. Grain is open and often interlocked.

• Unique Traits: Often called "vermillion" for its brilliant color. Works easily despite its hardness and polishes like a gem.

• Craftsman's Note: Padauk is for contrast and impact. I love pairing it with walnut or maple for a vibrant edge or detail.

Peruvian Walnut (Juglans spp.)

• Origin: Central and South America

• Why I Use It: A refined, exotic cousin to American walnut. It's softer, darker, and more uniform — great for contrast or when I want a moodier tone.

• Appearance & Character: Deep chocolate to purplish brown, sometimes with reddish undertones. Grain is typically straighter and more consistent than black walnut.

• Unique Traits: Easier to work than black walnut, and more dimensionally stable in large panels. Offers dramatic elegance in a subtler, more polished package.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Peruvian walnut when I want smooth richness and a fine finish — the quiet confidence of luxury.

Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

• Origin: Eastern North America

• Why I Use It: Poplar is incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for prototypes, painted finishes, and laser engraving practice. Though not a hardwood in the strictest sense, its reliability and consistency make it a staple in any workshop.

• Appearance & Character: Pale cream to yellowish-green, often with purple, gray, or brown streaks. The grain is straight and uniform, with a silky, low-profile texture.

• Unique Traits: Often dismissed as "utility wood," Poplar surprises with its elegance when finished properly. It accepts stain well (though unevenly without prep), making it a quiet chameleon in mixed-wood pieces.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Poplar when subtlety is the goal — or when I want to let another species take center stage. It's the unsung workhorse in many heirloom builds.

Purpleheart (Peltogyne spp.)

• Origin: Central and South America, especially Brazil and Guyana

• Why I Use It: There's nothing subtle about Purpleheart. It brings bold color and exotic flair to any piece, while still offering excellent strength.

• Appearance & Character: Vibrant purple when freshly cut, which deepens and darkens to a rich eggplant over time. Fine, straight grain with a glassy finish when polished.

• Unique Traits: Its color is natural — no dyes or stains involved. Though very dense and sometimes splintery, it's incredibly durable and rot-resistant.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Purpleheart when a piece calls for drama — when the grain needs to be seen and felt. It turns heads.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

• Origin: Eastern and Central United States

• Why I Use It: Strong, classic, and widely loved. Red Oak is the backbone of traditional American furniture.

• Appearance & Character: Light to medium reddish brown with a straight grain and prominent open pores.

• Unique Traits: Affordable, available, and easy to work. Stains well but can appear coarse without filler.

• Craftsman's Note: Red Oak is the everyman of hardwoods. It's honest, durable, and familiar — perfect when tradition is key.

Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)

• Origin: California and coastal Oregon forests

• Why I Use It: Redwood brings a softness and warmth that invites touch. Its story is one of ancient forests and natural endurance — it's wood with a legacy.

• Appearance & Character: Deep reddish brown to light rust with a soft, satiny surface and straight grain. Occasionally features curl or "lace" figure.

• Unique Traits: Despite its softness, redwood resists decay and insects naturally. Reclaimed redwood carries both ecological value and aesthetic richness.

• Craftsman's Note: There's a sense of reverence in using redwood. It's perfect for pieces that ask to be touched — calming, tactile, and rich with history.

Roasted Purpleheart

• Origin: Same as above; thermally modified

• Why I Use It: The roasting process changes more than color — it enhances stability, deepens the tone, and brings out a mysterious richness.

• Appearance & Character: Deeper, more brownish-purple with darker streaks and lower reflectivity than raw Purpleheart.

• Unique Traits: Roasting improves resistance to movement and moisture while mellowing the wood's hue.

• Craftsman's Note: I reach for roasted Purpleheart when I want a more sophisticated or antique feel — a little less electric, a little more aged wine.

Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum)

• Origin: Tropical Africa

• Why I Use It: It's like mahogany's more charismatic cousin — darker, more dramatic, and often more sustainable.

• Appearance & Character: Medium to dark reddish brown with interlocked grain that often produces ribbon or striped figure.

• Unique Traits: Extremely stable and beautiful, especially in quartersawn cuts. Used in musical instruments and high-end veneers.

• Craftsman's Note: I turn to Sapele when I want warmth and movement — it has a shimmer and depth that rewards a closer look.

Teak (Tectona grandis)

• Origin: Southeast Asia; also grown in Central America and Africa

• Why I Use It: Teak is the ultimate outdoor wood — naturally oily, weather-resistant, and built to endure.

• Appearance & Character: Golden brown with occasional dark streaks and a waxy feel. Tight, straight grain.

• Unique Traits: Naturally repels water and insects. Can dull tools due to its high silica content.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Teak when function and elegance must meet — especially in outdoor or nautical-inspired builds.

Tigerwood (Gonçalo Alves)

• Origin: Central and South America

• Why I Use It: The dramatic stripes earn its name — and its strength makes it more than just eye candy.

• Appearance & Character: Reddish brown to deep orange with bold, dark striping like a tiger's hide.

• Unique Traits: Extremely dense, durable, and naturally lustrous. Resists moisture and wear.

• Craftsman's Note: I use Tigerwood when I want visual electricity — bold, modern, and fierce.

Wenge (Millettia laurentii)

• Origin: Central Africa

• Why I Use It: Few woods offer a black so natural and rich. Wenge is dense, heavy, and textured — bold in both look and feel.

• Appearance & Character: Dark chocolate brown to nearly black with tight, linear grain and subtle striping.

• Unique Traits: High silica content makes it hard on tools but extremely durable. Excellent for high-wear pieces.

• Craftsman's Note: When I want deep contrast and grounding weight in a design, Wenge is unmatched. It's dramatic and unapologetic.

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

• Origin: Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia down to Northern California

• Why I Use It: Lightweight, aromatic, and naturally resistant to moisture and decay, cedar is perfect for decorative accents and outdoor pieces that age with grace.

• Appearance & Character: Warm reddish to pinkish brown heartwood with pale streaked sapwood; tight, straight grain with a soft, velvety texture. The scent is distinct and nostalgic.

• Unique Traits: One of the few woods that's as enjoyable to smell as it is to shape. It repels insects and resists rot without any treatment — nature's original outdoor wood.

• Craftsman's Note: I reach for cedar when creating pieces meant to live outdoors or bring the forest indoors — it speaks of cabins, saunas, and open air.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

• Origin: Eastern United States

• Why I Use It: More refined and rot-resistant than red oak, White Oak brings elegance to utility.

• Appearance & Character: Light beige to golden brown, tight grain with occasional ray flecks. Denser and more closed-pored than red oak.

• Unique Traits: Extremely water-resistant — used historically for shipbuilding and whiskey barrels.

• Craftsman's Note: I use White Oak when I want tradition and toughness — like Red Oak in a tailored suit.

White Wenge (Milletia leucantha / similar light variants)

• Origin: Southeast Asia or select African regions (varied sourcing)

• Why I Use It: White Wenge offers the look of traditional Wenge in reverse — bright and light, but still highly textured.

• Appearance & Character: Pale beige to cream tones with subtle, fine grain and ribbon-like patterns.

• Unique Traits: Less common and difficult to source, but creates stunning contrast when paired with darker woods.

• Craftsman's Note: White Wenge is rare and refined — I use it sparingly to highlight light in dark designs.

Zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis)

• Origin: West Africa

• Why I Use It: One of the most instantly recognizable exotic woods — it's graphic, striped, and bold.

• Appearance & Character: Light golden base with jet-black or dark brown striping; coarse texture and interlocked grain.

• Unique Traits: Stunning in panels or accents; difficult to plane but machines well.

• Craftsman's Note: Zebrawood is for statement pieces — when you want your work to walk on the wild side.