Pairing exotic lumber

[Richard Gnospelius]

There are numerous posts on pairing exotic lumber. I've developed a spreadsheet shows that shows lumber species I have and a few that I intend to buy. Here's a copy of the contents. Maybe what I've done so far will be helpful to members. However, I'd be glad to have comments regarding species I haven't tried to pair yet. I'd be glad to have any comments you might like to offer based on your experience. I can send you a copy of the actual spreadsheet if you'd like to have it. Thanks






Paired Wood


Main Wood
Alt. Name/Comment
Price
Blend
Contrast


African Mahogany


Cherry,maple



Alder






Birch


Lace/leopard



Bloodwood
Will turn brown
High
Wenge
Maple


Bubinga

High
Mahogany
Wenge


Butternut

Low

Walnut


Canarywood

High
Cherry



Chechen
Black poisonwood, Caribean Rosewood
High




Cherry

Med
Mahogany
Maple


Holly

High




Lacewood
Leopardwood
High

Birch,Maple


Leopardwood
Lacewood
High

Birch,Maple


Maple-red dyed

Low




Maple-Tiger

Low

Cherry,Walnut


Oak, white

Low

Walnut


Olivewood
Olive
High

Wenge


Osage orange
Horse apple





Purpleheart
Amaranth
Med

Maple


Rosewood-Bolivian

V. High
Cherry


Sapele

Low




English Sycamore

High




Tulipwood

Low




Walnut

High

Maple


Wenge



Maple


Zebrawood

High

[Ted Calver]

Richard, Welcome to the Creek. Glad you found us...and made an interesting first post. I like the idea of hearing what kind of wood pairings folks think will work and hope you get some suggestions. I had good results pairing wenge and bloodwood on a box project done some years ago.

[John K Jordan]

There are numerous posts on pairing exotic lumber. I've developed a spreadsheet shows that shows lumber species I have and a few that I intend to buy. Here's a copy of the contents. Maybe what I've done so far will be helpful to members. However, I'd be glad to have comments regarding species I haven't tried to pair yet. I'd be glad to have any comments you might like to offer based on your experience. I can send you a copy of the actual spreadsheet if you'd like to have it. ...

Nice idea! I'd also like to hear what others think.

The things made from these woods may make a difference - is it furniture for a house, art for an executive office, a boat, toy, cheese platter? I primarily do woodturning often make turnings with more than one wood. For me, the match depends on more than just the species. For example, I I have some Dogwood that has a pinkish cast - to my eye it goes well with Bloodwood, as does Tulipwood. Not so much with Osage Orange!

Due to the lighting the photography might not show the effect as well as with the eye:
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I think Cocobolo goes well with Holly, Dogwood, and Ebony (depending somewhat on the color of the Cocobolo.)

BTW, it may be a due to a different variety or just different trees, but for me Bloodwood doesn't tend to turn brown, even after years. In my experience some woods, such as Padauk, Osage Orange, and Purpleheart can be horrible. But even with Purpleheart, some are different - I have a (carefully guarded!) supply of Purpleheart said to be from Mexico that unlike most is purple when cut and stays purple.

If you haven't seen it, this article on the Wood Database discusses color changes and has a useful list: https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/preventing-color-changes-in-exotic-woods/

I like to use Ebony and African Blackwood for finials on things - as with fashions sometimes basic black goes with everything! I often put earth tones together, such as walnut with cherry, or as in your list, maple.

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I have so many species at hand (last time I did a count it was at least 125!) I usually just pick a wood then look through bins and shelves for something I think might look nice with it, armed with a pocket knife to expose the color if needed. An expended list like yours might be a great starting place, especially for those who are indecisive. And maybe branch out - I think some colors of wood look great with brass and some not so much.

The environment and intended use might also suggest colors, should the piece be subdued and blend in or contrast. Something made to be handled a lot or put up as artwork in a room with color on the walls? Is it something for seasonal use, say Fall, Halloween, or Christmas?

Another thing I suspect we all need to keep in mind, color selection is both personal and an art form. What looks great to one can look bad to another!

JKJ

[Richard Gnospelius]

Thanks, Ted for the nice welcome. That pairing sounds attractive. I’ll give it a try. One thing I just learned is that my nice bloody wood is destined to turn brown. Bummer.

[Richard Gnospelius]

John, that is a really great response. Thanks very much. Dick

[Richard Gnospelius]

Here's the current version of the spreadsheet: