Redheart
Redheart is among the few woods that can genuinely be described as red — not orange, not pink, not reddish brown, but red. The catch: that vibrant color is short-lived without UV protection. Sealed properly and kept out of direct sunlight, it holds reasonably well; exposed to a sunny windowsill, it fades to reddish brown within months. Use it where the color can be protected and appreciated up close.
- Finishing without UV-blocking topcoat — the red fades dramatically in sunlight; oil finishes alone won't protect it
- Burning during resawing — Redheart scorches easily with dull blades; a burned surface is hard to fully sand away
- Using it in high-wear surfaces — this wood's selling point is color, not durability; use where it will be seen, not used hard
Vivid, almost fluorescent red heartwood when freshly cut — one of the most intensely red woods available. Color fades quickly to a reddish brown with UV exposure. Pale sapwood is clearly demarcated.
Good working characteristics overall. Planes, machines, and sands well. Can burn during resawing if blades are dull — keep tooling sharp. Turns, glues, and finishes well.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |