Index · Woods · Purpleheart

Purpleheart

A dense, striking hardwood known for its natural purple colour, which can shift from brownish tones when freshly worked to a richer violet-purple as it oxidises and settles. Purpleheart is much harder than oak, walnut, cherry, and maple, giving it excellent durability but a more demanding working character. Best used where contrast, detail, and visual impact matter, especially as an accent timber in serving boards, decorative strips, and statement pieces.

Latin name
Peltogyne spp.
Origin
South America
Hardness
Janka 2,520
Grain
Fine, interlocked

Common questions

How hard is Purpleheart?

Purpleheart measures Janka 2,520 — hard enough to take daily knife work and last for years with a little care.

How do I care for a Purpleheart chopping board?

Hand-wash it, dry it standing on edge, and re-oil with a food-safe oil when the surface starts to look dry. Never put it in the dishwasher. The full routine is in our care guide.

Is a Purpleheart board food-safe?

Yes. Every board is finished with a food-safe oil and nothing else, so the surface is safe for food preparation. Purpleheart itself is a close-grained hardwood well suited to kitchen use.