Bloodwood Lumber in Houston – Overview

Bloodwood Lumber

Specifications

  • Thicknesses (Commonly Stocked at Houston Hardwoods in): 4/4. We also offer custom milling to your exact specifications (e.g., 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, or other custom dimensions), as well as various options including S4S, S2S, S2S1E, and SLR1E.
  • Species: Brosimum paraense (Satine, Muirapiranga)
  • Hardness (Janka): 2,900 lbf
  • Color: Vivid, deep red to reddish-orange, often with streaks of lighter or darker red, darkening to a deeper purplish-red over time with exposure to light.
  • Grain: Typically straight or slightly interlocked, with a fine and even texture and a natural luster.
  • Workability: Moderately difficult due to its hardness and density; requires sharp tools and slow feed rates. Finishes exceptionally well to a high polish, showcasing its striking color.
  • Common Uses in Houston: Accent pieces, fine furniture, decorative inlays, musical instruments, and turned objects.

What Makes Bloodwood Unique

Bloodwood stands out for its absolutely striking color, ranging from a vibrant, almost iridescent red to a deep, rich reddish-orange. This highly dense and durable exotic hardwood is prized for its natural beauty and exceptional strength. Unlike many woods that require staining to achieve vibrant hues, Bloodwood offers its intense coloration naturally, making it a showstopper for any project where visual impact is paramount. Its fine grain and inherent luster further enhance its luxurious appearance, making it a favorite for decorative applications.

Why Choose Bloodwood

  • Stunning Natural Color: Its vivid red and reddish-orange hues are truly unique and provide an immediate focal point, making it perfect for pieces designed to impress.
  • Exceptional Hardness and Durability: With a Janka hardness of 2,900 lbf, Bloodwood is incredibly dense and resistant to dents, scratches, and wear, ensuring longevity for your creations.
  • Natural Luster: The wood possesses a natural sheen that, when polished, brings out its depth and beauty without the need for heavy finishes.
  • Fine, Consistent Grain: Its even grain and fine texture contribute to a smooth, refined finish, ideal for intricate work and high-quality craftsmanship.
  • Dimensional Stability: Despite its density, Bloodwood is known for good stability once acclimated, making it reliable for precision projects.
  • Adds Value: Its exotic nature and dramatic appearance can significantly enhance the perceived value and aesthetic appeal of your projects.

Why You Might Not Choose Bloodwood

  • Challenging to Work With: Its extreme hardness and density can make it difficult to cut, drill, and sand, requiring specialized, sharp tools and a patient approach. Users in Houston might find it tougher on their equipment.
  • Higher Cost: As a sought-after exotic hardwood, Bloodwood is generally priced higher than many domestic species, reflecting its unique characteristics and import costs.
  • Color Changes Over Time: While beautiful, its vibrant red color can deepen to a darker, more purplish-red with prolonged exposure to UV light, which may not be desirable for all projects.
  • Potential for Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or respiratory issues from the sawdust, so proper dust collection and personal protective equipment are essential, particularly in humid Houston workshops.

Bloodwood in the Houston Climate

Acclimation for Best Results

Bloodwood, like all dense hardwoods, benefits greatly from proper acclimation in Houston’s humid climate. Given our typical humidity levels (often 70-90%) and fluctuating temperatures, allowing this exotic wood to stabilize in your shop or project environment is crucial. This helps minimize the risk of movement, warping, or checking in your finished pieces, ensuring the exceptional beauty of Bloodwood remains intact.

Ideal for Interior Accent Pieces

This wood is an outstanding choice for interior projects across Houston homes, from modern high-rises in Downtown to classic estates in River Oaks. Its vibrant color and durability make it perfect for statement pieces, decorative inlays, or fine furniture that will be enjoyed indoors, away from the intense sun and humidity that could cause its color to shift more rapidly. Its hardness also makes it ideal for elements that might see occasional handling or light wear.

Color and Grain Stability

The stunning red of Bloodwood will naturally deepen over time with exposure to light, evolving into a richer, somewhat purplish-red hue. This is a characteristic feature of the wood and can add to its charm. The fine, consistent grain remains very stable, ensuring that intricate designs and polished surfaces retain their integrity. A quality finish will not only protect its surface but also enhance its natural luster, keeping your Bloodwood projects looking spectacular for years in the Houston environment.

Popular Bloodwood Applications in Houston

Bloodwood’s unparalleled color and density make it a highly prized material for Houston’s elite furniture makers, artisans, and custom woodworkers. Its striking appearance lends itself to projects where a bold, luxurious statement is desired, fitting perfectly into the city’s diverse and often grand design aesthetic.

Popular Applications Include:

  • Fine Furniture Accents: Used for stunning decorative elements, tabletops, or entire pieces where its vivid color can be the star, often found in high-end Houston residences.
  • Decorative Inlays and Marquetry: Its dramatic color provides exceptional contrast for intricate inlay work in cabinets, boxes, and custom furniture, popular in custom designs around The Woodlands.
  • Musical Instruments: Favored for fretboards, bridges, and other components in custom guitars and other instruments due to its density, stability, and beautiful appearance.
  • Turned Objects: Ideal for crafting exquisite pens, bowls, chess pieces, and other small decorative items that showcase its intense color and ability to take a high polish, making unique gifts in Houston.
  • Jewelry Boxes and Keepsakes: The rich color and fine grain make it perfect for creating heirloom-quality boxes.

Current Design Trends Featuring Bloodwood:

  • Modern and Contemporary Design: Its bold, clean color makes it excellent for adding a dramatic touch to minimalist or modern interiors.
  • Luxury Custom Builds: Incorporated into bespoke kitchens, studies, and living spaces where unique, high-value materials are desired.
  • Artisan Crafted Goods: Highly sought after by local Houston artisans for creating one-of-a-kind pieces that highlight the wood’s inherent beauty.
  • Statement Pieces: Used for single, impactful pieces of furniture or decor that draw the eye and serve as a focal point in a room.

Looking for Bloodwood for Your Next Project?

We stock this exquisite wood in 4/4 thickness and can custom mill to your exact needs. Whether you’re crafting a statement furniture piece, designing intricate inlays, or creating a unique turned object, our team is here to help you pick the right material.

Visit Houston Hardwoods or contact us to check availability, request a quote, or discuss your project plans.