Likely purpleheart; the pale boards appear to be a different, unidentified light-colored wood, possibly maple or poplar. — Purpleheart: Peltogyne spp.; pale boards cannot be identified reliably from this image.

Likely purpleheart; the pale boards appear to be a different, unidentified light-colored wood, possibly maple or poplar.

Purpleheart: Peltogyne spp.; pale boards cannot be identified reliably from this image. · Exotic/Tropical hardwood (purpleheart).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Exotic/Tropical hardwood (purpleheart).
Origin
Tropical Central and South America, especially the Amazon and Guiana regions.
Hardness
Purpleheart: about 2,520 lbf, Extremely Hard.
Durability
Durable to very durable; good natural resistance to decay and insects.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Visible purpleheart has mostly straight, fairly uniform grain with subtle texture; no clear decorative figure. Pale boards show straight grain.

Color & Appearance

Purpleheart ranges from fresh gray-brown to vivid violet-purple, as visible here; light exposure can deepen or brown the purple. Sapwood is pale, but these contrasting pale pieces may be separate species.

Hardness (Janka)

Purpleheart: about 2,520 lbf, Extremely Hard.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable to very durable; good natural resistance to decay and insects.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Rough purpleheart commonly about US$10–25 per board foot; varies by location, thickness, and grade.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Not reliably estimable from the photo; color indicates purpleheart, but does not establish age or storage history.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, turning, veneers, and decorative inlays.

Geographic Origin

Tropical Central and South America, especially the Amazon and Guiana regions.

Workability

Dense and hard; machine with sharp carbide tools, and predrill for fasteners. Sanding can be slow, and dust may stain surfaces.

Finish Recommendations

Sand evenly and use a clear, UV-resistant finish to slow color change; test finish first, as appearance can shift.

Notable Features

Distinctive purple heartwood; oxidation and light alter its color. The image shows contrasting lumber pieces, not enough detail to assess end grain.

Learn more about Likely purpleheart; the pale boards appear to be a different, unidentified light-colored wood, possibly maple or poplar. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 6, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Likely Purpleheart; The Pale Boards Appear To Be A Different, Unidentified Light-colored Wood, Possibly Maple Or Poplar. in the encyclopedia

View all →