Find Your Store
Strikingly rich in colour and remarkably durable, bloodwood is a premium exotic hardwood prized by woodworkers, turners, and artisans for its deep crimson hue and natural lustre. We offer select bloodwood lumber and turning blanks ideal for fine furniture, inlays, musical instruments, and specialty projects that demand bold visual impact. With its vibrant red tones and tight, straight grain, bloodwood finishes to a high polish and adds an unmistakable touch of elegance to any piece. Known for its density and strength, it holds sharp detail beautifully, making it perfect for intricate carvings and turned objects. Due to its hardness, sharp tools and care in machining are recommended. As a proudly Canadian company, Windsor Plywood is your source for hard-to-find, high-quality woods and personalized service. Add a dramatic and luxurious element to your next project with the timeless beauty of bloodwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bloodwood and what makes it distinctive?
Bloodwood (Brosimum rubescens) is a dense South American hardwood named for its striking, vivid red colour — one of the most saturated reds available in natural wood. It has a fine, even grain, a Janka hardness of approximately 2900, and high natural durability. Bloodwood is used for accent work, inlay, turning projects, knife handles, and decorative woodworking where a deep, natural red colour is the design intent.
Does bloodwood maintain its red colour over time?
Bloodwood is susceptible to fading from UV exposure, which gradually reduces the red saturation toward a more orange-brown tone. Applying a UV-inhibiting clear finish and keeping finished pieces away from direct sunlight preserves the colour longest. The colour change is gradual rather than sudden, and bloodwood retains an attractive warm tone even after fading.
Is bloodwood difficult to work with?
Yes. Bloodwood's extreme hardness dulls tools quickly and requires sharp, well-maintained cutting edges. It turns well on the lathe and sands to a smooth, lustrous surface but requires patience due to the density. The natural oils in bloodwood can slow glue curing — wipe surfaces with mineral spirits before gluing and allow extended clamping time.
What finish is suitable for bloodwood?
Oil finishes, wax, and clear varnishes all work on bloodwood. UV-inhibiting finishes are strongly recommended to preserve the red colour. The natural oils in bloodwood can cause adhesion issues with some film-forming finishes — test on scrap first. Oils that penetrate the surface work more reliably than thick film finishes on highly resinous or oily exotic species.
Does Windsor Plywood carry bloodwood?
Windsor Plywood carries bloodwood as a specialty exotic hardwood subject to current availability. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm whether bloodwood is in stock and in the dimensions suitable for your project.