As the old adage goes, “There are work horses and there are show ponies.” With most well-known cliches, this one is often applicable to many facets of life.
The exotic hardwoods are undoubtedly the show-offs.
Many exotic hardwoods are rare, but being rare isn’t exactly a prerequisite to fit into the category. A number of exotic woods are considered so because of the unique grain patterns and colors they’ve become known for.
Common hardwoods like ash, birch, maple, oak and poplar have a number of shared qualities that make them desirable to a number of furniture manufacturers and do-it-yourselfers around the world.
They tend to be light in color, which allows for easier reception and display of staining, and they machine/finish well and are good candidates for silk screening.
The majority of exotic hardwoods don’t possess these qualities, and therefore are only sought after by those willing to foot the bill.
For centuries, some exotic hardwoods have been the inspiration for novelties; especially for the wealthy.
Common uses of these exotic woods today, aside from standard furniture applications, include flooring, shells for musical instruments (guitars and ukuleles are very common) and other fine tools such as custom ink pens, glasses frames, etc.
As one would expect with any other commodity, the more rare or precious an item is, the higher the asking price. Many rare and exotic hardwoods can fetch a hefty price tag in comparison to their more readily available counterparts.
While a majority of the expense is due to its limited nature, a good bit of it can also be contributed to the special skills and tools required to get the wood in a usable condition. Zebra wood, for example, is notoriously difficult to work because it is extremely dense and has a coarse texture that is all-too-willing to splint and tear into shards if cut improperly.
So, if you’re searching for exquisite furniture to either add to or begin a refined collection, be fully prepared to invest in some of the most beautiful woods nature has produced.