Name: Purple Heart - Box Making
SKU: 11660
Availability: InStock

Description

Purple Heart (Peltogyne spp.)

One of the most remarkable and visually striking timbers available, Purple eart is famous for its incredible colour. When freshly cut or machined, it appears as a dull greyish-brown. However, with exposure to UV light and oxygen, it dramatically transforms, developing a deep, rich eggplant-purple colour. This unique property makes it a standout choice for projects designed to capture attention.

Perfect for Box Making:

Purpleheart’s vibrant colour and exceptional durability make it a fantastic choice for decorative boxes where you want a splash of natural, vivid colour. The 10mm thickness is ideal for creating:

Striking keepsake and jewellery boxes
Contrasting lids or feature panels
Inlay and decorative segments (marquetry)
Unique gift boxes that make a statement

Its fine texture and natural lustre ensure a smooth, high-quality finish, creating a piece that is both beautiful and incredibly durable.

Working Properties:

Purpleheart is a very dense and hard-wearing timber, which requires a mindful approach.

Workability: Can be challenging to work. It is recommended to use sharp, well-maintained tools (HSS or carbide) to avoid burning or blunting. Pre-drilling is essential for nails and screws.
Finishing: To maintain the vibrant purple colour for as long as possible, use a UV-inhibiting finish. Without it, the colour will slowly darken over time to a handsome, deep chocolate-purple or brown. It takes oils and lacquers well and polishes to a superb lustre.
Gluing: Can be difficult due to its density and natural oils. A light sanding or wipe with a solvent on the joint surfaces before gluing is recommended for a stronger bond.
Heat: Be mindful of heat from blades or sanding, as it can cause the wood to exude a sticky resin that can clog tools. Use a faster feed rate and/or lighter sanding pressure.

Specifications:

Common Names: Purpleheart, Amaranth
Botanical Name: Peltogyne spp.
Origin: Central and South America
Appearance: A unique timber that turns from a dull brown to a deep purple upon exposure to light. The grain is typically straight with a fine, uniform texture.

We have more sizes available here.

A Note on Our Wood Products

Please remember that the photos you see are indicative only. As a beautiful, natural material, wood inherently varies in grain, color, and figure. While we meticulously select outstanding pieces to send your way, each item will possess its own unique charm. We believe these natural variations are part of what makes our wood products so special and truly one-of-a-kind.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Trend Timbers, we are committed to providing woodworkers with the highest quality materials. All our timber is sourced from sustainable, ecologically responsible forests and is kiln-dried to meet stringent Australian standards. Our hand-selected range includes premium species suitable for everyone, from novice enthusiasts to seasoned artisans.

Project Advice & Support

For projects requiring dimensions larger than our listed sizes or you require further information about a particular species, including custom sizing or current availability, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly for expert advice.

Visit Our Showroom

In addition to our online store, Trend Timbers offers an even wider selection of beautiful species and woodcraft supplies, including turning and carving blanks. We warmly invite you to visit our showroom to experience our full range firsthand and see the unique character of our timbers up close. We are always inspired to see where our timber ends up, so feel free to share your finished projects with us when you visit.