Purple Heart Wood Floor
Scientific Name: Peltogyne spp.
Other Names and Species: Amaranth Amarante Guarabu Koroboreli Morado Palo Morado Pau Roxo Purperhart Tananeo Violetwood
Origin: North-middle part of the Brazilian Amazon region of South America, as well as in tropical regions of Central America.
Color: Heartwood is brown when freshly cut, turning deep purple to purplish brown over time. Sapwood is a lighter cream color.
Grain: Usually straight; medium to fine texture.
Variations Within Species and Grades: Moderate to high color variation.
Hardness (Janka): 1860; 44% harder than Northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Excellent (change coefficient .00212; 43% more stable than red oak)
Durability: Very strong and dense.
Sawing/Machining: Moderately difficult due to hardness; frequent sharpening of tools required; slow feed rate and carbine tooling recommended.
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily.
Nailing: Good holding ability.
Finishing: Takes finishes well; some have found that water-based finishes hold color better.
Comments: Heartwood is very resistant to dry-wood termites. Presence of minerals in some boards may cause uneven coloration.