A Beginners Guide to Exotic Wood
Clockwise starting top left: Zebrawood, Purpleheart, Katalox , Padauk
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Exotic woods are a favorite medium for Katalox Woodshop. Some of our most show-stopping pieces use exotic woods, either as the primary material or as subtle accents to the piece as a whole. They offer unique textures, colors, and properties you won’t get in standard domestic woods like oak or pine. But is it worth the additional cost?
What Makes a Wood “Exotic”
Exotic woods are species that grow outside North America and typically must be imported. They are known for having rich colors, dense grain, durability, and rarity. They are often more expensive than domestic species due to limited availability and the cost of transportation.
Examples include: Purpleheart, Padauk, Zebrawood, Teak, Wenge, Bubinga, African Mahogany, Jatoba, and Katalox
Our Favorite Exotic Woods
Zebrawood
- Light brown/cream with dark black/brown stripes
- Origin: West Africa
- Janka Hardness: 1830
- Very durable and strong
- Resistant to denting, scratching, and insect damage
- Interlocking grain makes it prone to tearout
- Popular in our salt and pepper grinders; commonly used as veneer
African Padauk
- Bright reddish-orange when freshly cut; color-shifting over time
- Origin: Central and tropical West Africa
- Janka Hardness: 1710
- Durable to very durable
- Resistant to decay, termites, and insects
- Easy to work with – turns and glues well
- Tearout can still occur when grain is interlocked
- Vibrant and eye-catching; used in our grinders and cutting boards
Purpleheart
- Deep pink or purple color which darkens with age
- Origin: Central and South America (tropical rainforests)
- Janka Hardness: 2520
- Very durable and strong
- Resistant to denting, scratching, decay, and most insect attacks
- When grain is irregular, can be prone to tearout
- Hardness can have dulling effect on tools
- One of our top-selling salt and pepper grinders; also used as accents in cutting boards and frames
Katalox
- Dark reddish brown to nearly black, strong purple hues common
- Origin: Southern Mexico, Central & South America
- Janka Hardness: 3660
- Very durable and strong
- Resistant to denting, scratching, decay, and termites
- High density makes it difficult to work with
- Dulling effect on tools, tearout with interlocked grain
- Natural oils make gluing difficult
- Very beautiful — our shop’s namesake!
Pros and Cons of Using Exotic Wood
Pros:
- Stunning colors and patterns – great for eye-catching showpieces
- Great durability and strength – great for practical applications
- Can increase the value of a project – rare and unique
Cons:
- More expensive
- Can be difficult to work with due to density and irregular grain patterns
- Sometimes smell funny while working it
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Allergic reactions – dust from some exotic woods can cause respiratory difficulty
Tip: Always wear a respiratory mask while working with them - Can be harder to source sustainably
Getting Started
Start small! Exotic woods can be very expensive, so test it out with small projects, like coasters.
When you’re ready for bigger projects, use sharp tools and wear protection. Be prepared with a respiratory mask and a sharpening stone for when your tools start to dull (or use carbide toolbits)
Try a combination of domestic wood with exotic accents - this provides a stark contrast and elevates your project for a fraction of the price.
Share your projects with us, we’d love to see your work!
Interested in a custom piece?
Exotic woods bring beauty, character, and craftsmanship to woodworking projects. I hope this guide helps with your own exotic projects. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to invest in a unique piece, these materials open a world of creative possibilities.
Interested in a custom piece made from exotic wood? Contact us!
