DIY Projects Using Exotic Woods

One of the distinct advantages of wood is its sheerIt will look like you traveled to the four corners of
variety. There's a multitude of wood categories andthe globe, from the dense jungles of the Amazon to
subcategories available to the Do It Yourselfer.the twisted, tangled mazes of the Nicaraguan
Among these choices is exotic wood, with varietiesrainforest seeking out only the finest, most luxurious
like maple burl, sapele, lacewood, madrone,materials.
padauk...well the list goes on. I'm not saying that plainCocobolo, a hardwood from Central America is
pine, oak or maple are "last year", but the look andanother fine example. Its orange to reddish-brown
feel created by exotic wood is unique andcolor makes it a great choice for panelling in a den or
well...exotic!bedroom. Its dense composition and strength lend
Many Projects Lend Themselves to Exoticsitself well to tables and chairs with a Latin or Mexican
There are many products that almost beg to useflavor as well. The water shedding properties of
exotic woods. For instance, you can build an amazingCocobolo make it a good choice for outdoor projects
grandfather clock with the use of Padauk, which is analthough it can be cost prohibitive because of its rare
exotic red and orange African lumber. Although younature.
wouldn't normally think about using exotic woodsI Made That!
when you build bird feeders and birdhouses, the nextIn addition to the difference using exotics for your
time you start one of these outdoor projects trywoodworking project makes, the sense of
using Primavera, which is a Mexican lumber. You willaccomplishment is priceless. Imagine walking into your
be surprised how amazing your project turns outden, the bar you just completed last week using
when completed. There are many other projects youMaple Burl extracted from elm trees in Scotland,
might consider using exotic woods because theyproudly standing center stage as the showpiece of
really make a difference in the outcome. Many ofthe room. The craftsmanship is obvious as you
those projects might include jewelry boxes, paneling,admire your work. The intricate details stand out
floors, furniture, and picture frames.because you took the time to get them right. No one
Yes, the list of projects is endless and the choice ofcould put a dollar figure on that bar or the feeling you
material exhaustive. Imagine a dining area, warm andget just sipping a cold one on a Friday night with
inviting, the centerpiece a table fashioned withyour buds.
lacewood (Roopola Brasillensis for you botanicalIt's Better To Give
experts). The lustrous and even textured finish tooA gift made with any of these materials will mean so
beautiful to cover, the reflections it casts somehowmuch more because you made it by hand. Your
make the whole room glow. Your pride soars aschoice of wood shows how much thought you put
dinner guests swoon over its delicate details andinto making someone else happy. You will be in their
finely crafted look.thoughts every time they use their jewelry box,
That's only one of the many advantages of exoticrocking horse, doll house or favorite chair. Be careful
wood and wood in general. Dozens of stains andthough, you may be "commissioned" to craft more
finishes available on the market today can be appliedof these one of a kind pieces. No problem, you love
to bring out the true nature of these exotics,creating these masterpieces and with every project,
enhancing the natural details and fine grain, makingyour skills only improve.
them even more beautiful and avoiding that out ofOnce you realize how much fun it is to construct
the box look.projects with exotic woods you might find yourself
Frequent Flyer?spending a little more time in the workshop!