Purchased Accents
Color and character that let reclaimed woods shine.
About These Woods
Not every board in my shop began as a local rescue. Some accents are purchased for their bold color and striking grain, while others — like Schreiber Maple, Purpleheart, and Yellowheart from Mr. Allen’s inventory — do carry a reclaimed story. Together, whether purchased or reclaimed, these accent woods serve the same purpose: to add contrast and character that let the primary reclaimed woods shine.
Wenge
Wenge is a tropical hardwood native to Central Africa, where it grows tall and straight in dense forests. The tree itself can reach heights of over 60 feet, with a canopy that provides both shade and a valuable source of timber for communities. Its heartwood develops a deep, chocolate-brown tone streaked with nearly black veins, giving it one of the boldest natural appearances of any wood species.
As a material, Wenge is dense, durable, and dramatic. Its dark, striped grain makes it a striking choice for accent work, offering a sharp contrast against the lighter reclaimed woods in my shop. I use it sparingly, letting small details of Wenge frame or highlight the character of salvaged Texas woods. Purchased rather than reclaimed, it plays a supporting role — a touch of depth and elegance that lets the reclaimed story stay at center stage.
Padauk
Padauk is a tropical hardwood native to central and western Africa, known for its tall, straight growth and wide-spreading canopy. The tree thrives in warm climates and produces a striking heartwood that begins in bright orange-red tones. Over time, the color matures into a deep reddish-brown, giving Padauk its reputation for vibrant beauty and lasting appeal.
As a wood, Padauk is dense, durable, and works well for fine details. Its bold color makes it one of the most dramatic accent woods in my shop, standing out strongly against the softer hues of reclaimed Texas species. I use it sparingly, often as thin strips or small inlays, where just a touch of Padauk can bring warmth and contrast to a piece. Though purchased, it helps frame the reclaimed stories at the heart of Salt Shaker Woodworks.
Purpleheart
Purpleheart grows in the tropical regions of Central and South America, where tall, straight trees produce one of the most remarkable woods in the world. Its heartwood starts as a dull brown but quickly transforms into a deep, rich violet once exposed to light and air — the source of its name. The tree itself is valued not only for its strength and durability, but for the unique, naturally vibrant color found in no other species.
As a wood, Purpleheart is dense, strong, and striking. I keep both purchased stock and some reclaimed boards from Mr. Allen’s inventory in the shop. Used sparingly, Purpleheart provides vivid accents that can transform even simple designs into standout pieces. Its bold color contrasts beautifully with lighter reclaimed woods, serving as a reminder that sometimes a small detail is all it takes to make the story shine.
Yellowheart
Yellowheart, sometimes called Pau Amarello, is native to the tropical forests of Brazil. The tree grows tall and straight, with a pale outer bark that hides the brilliance within. Its heartwood stands out for its naturally golden color, a feature so unique that it has been sought after for centuries in fine woodworking. The bright hue remains stable over time, giving Yellowheart its reputation for lasting vibrancy.
As a wood, Yellowheart is dense, fine-grained, and remarkably smooth to work with. In my shop, I have both purchased stock and reclaimed boards from Mr. Allen’s inventory. I use it sparingly as an accent, where just a narrow strip of Yellowheart can bring light and contrast to a piece built from reclaimed Texas woods. Its sun-bright color adds a note of distinction, complementing rather than competing with the stories carried by the reclaimed wood.
Maple
Maple trees are found across North America, known for their graceful shape and brilliant fall foliage that shifts from green to shades of red, orange, and gold. They are strong, resilient trees that have long been valued for both their beauty and their usefulness. The fine-grained wood is light in color, often creamy white to pale golden, sometimes with unique figuring such as birdseye or curly patterns that make each board distinct.
In my shop, I use both reclaimed Maple and purchased stock. The Maple I buy is Sugar Maple, commonly called Rock Maple — the whitest variety of maple. Its bright, clean tone makes it especially effective as an accent, often standing in sharper contrast than my reclaimed maple, which carries warmer hues. Used in narrow strips or patterned details, it highlights and frames the darker reclaimed woods, giving them definition without taking away from their story..
