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Bloodwood

Bloodwood is a dense, exotic hardwood known for its striking deep red color that can darken over time. It offers excellent durability and a smooth finish, making it ideal for fine woodworking, turning, and accent pieces where bold, vibrant color is desired.

Bloodwood

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Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens)

Pricing:



Moderately Expensive

Hardness:

2,900

Janka

Distribution:



Tropical South America

Availability:



Readily Available

Appearance

The blood-red color is bright and vivid but will darken to a brownish red colour over time with exposure to light. The grain is typically straight or slightly interlocked. The texture is fine and is often somewhat chatoyant.

Workability

Bloodwood is quite hard and has an extreme blunting effect on tool edges. It’s very brittle and can splinter while working so patience is required and well worth it.

Uses

Commonly used for inlays, carvings, trim work, knife handles, and turnings.

Additional Comments

The colour shift can be slowed by using a UV protective finish and kept out of direct sunlight. The colour is striking and can be worth the fussiness of working with it.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bloodwood

What is Bloodwood?

Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens) is a dense, red South American hardwood named for its blood-red heartwood color.

What color is Bloodwood?

Bloodwood has red to deep crimson heartwood that is one of the most saturated natural reds of any commercially available wood.

How hard is Bloodwood?

Bloodwood has a Janka hardness of 2,900 lbf (12,900 N).

Is Bloodwood good for cutting boards?

Bloodwood is used as a decorative accent in mixed-species cutting boards. It is generally considered food-safe when properly finished with food-safe oils or wax.

Where does Bloodwood come from?

Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens) is native to the tropical forests of South America, particularly in Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, and Guyana.

Is Bloodwood difficult to work with?

Bloodwood is moderately to very difficult to work because of its extreme hardness and density.

Does Bloodwood maintain its red color?

Bloodwood maintains its red color better than many other red woods like Padauk. Some darkening and deepening of the red tone does occur with age and UV exposure.

What finish is best for Bloodwood?

UV-inhibiting oil-based finishes or lacquers with UV filters work best for Bloodwood to preserve its red color.

What is Bloodwood used for in woodworking?

Bloodwood is used as a decorative accent wood in inlays, stringing, cutting board strips, knife handles, pen blanks, and turning.

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