The Versatility of Unconventional Lumber

I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon a local lumberyard that specialized in rare and exotic wood species. As a lifelong woodworker, I thought I had seen it all – oak, maple, walnut, the usual suspects. But when I stepped through those doors, I was transported to a whole new world of timber possibilities.

Rows upon rows of beautifully grained and colored boards, many of which I had never even heard of, let alone worked with. It was like being a kid in a candy store, except instead of Snickers and Skittles, I was surrounded by the likes of bocote, zebrawood, and lignum vitae.

Offset guitars like the Fender Jazzmaster and Jaguar had long piqued my interest, and I couldn’t help but wonder how some of these exotic species might look and sound as guitar tonewood. But my woodworking interests extended far beyond the world of music – I was eager to explore how these alternative woods could elevate everything from furniture and cabinetry to architectural elements and even outdoor structures.

Tropical Treasures

As I began to acquaint myself with this unexpected bounty of lumber options, a few species in particular caught my eye and piqued my curiosity. First up, the enigmatic and endlessly intriguing bocote.

Hailing from the tropical regions of Mexico and Central America, this dense hardwood is renowned for its striking, swirling grain patterns that range from deep browns to vibrant oranges and yellows. The rich, almost oily appearance of bocote lends an air of natural sophistication to any project, making it a prime choice for high-end furniture, architectural millwork, and even specialized musical instruments.

But bocote is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these tropical timber treasures. Another standout is the aptly named zebrawood, whose dramatic black and tan striations evoke the majestic creature for which it’s named. This exotic hardwood originates from western and central Africa, and its bold, attention-grabbing aesthetic makes it a popular choice for accent pieces, decorative turnings, and high-end guitar bodies.

Domestic Delights

Of course, the world of alternative woods extends well beyond the tropics. Right here in North America, we have a wealth of lesser-known but no less captivating species that deserve their time in the spotlight.

Take curly maple, for instance – a stunning variant of the classic maple that features a mesmerizing, undulating grain pattern. The result of a natural growth anomaly, curly maple has long been prized by luthiers and cabinetmakers for its striking visual appeal and exceptional workability. Whether incorporated into a custom guitar, a one-of-a-kind dresser, or a distinctive architectural feature, this domestic hardwood brings an elegant, eye-catching flair to any project.

Another North American native that deserves more love is black locust. Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the beloved black walnut, black locust is a rugged, durable hardwood with a distinctive, golden-yellow hue. Renowned for its resistance to rot and insect infestation, black locust has found widespread use in outdoor applications like fencing, decking, and even boat construction. But its unique aesthetic and exceptional strength also make it a compelling choice for furniture, cabinetry, and even turnings and carvings.

Unexpected Wonders

As I delved deeper into the world of alternative woods, I continued to uncover one hidden gem after another. Take, for example, the enigmatic lignum vitae – a dense, oily hardwood native to the Caribbean and Central America. Lignum vitae, Latin for “tree of life,” is renowned for its exceptional durability and self-lubricating properties, making it a prime choice for applications like bearings, propeller shafts, and even (believe it or not) bowling balls.

But beyond its industrial applications, lignum vitae also has a rich history in the world of fine woodworking. Its deep, greenish-brown hue and distinctive, swirling grain patterns have long captivated artisans and craftspeople, who have incorporated this exotic wood into everything from traditional carvings to contemporary furniture and architectural elements.

Embracing the Unconventional

As I reflect on my journey of discovery in the world of alternative woods, I’m struck by the sheer diversity and boundless potential of these often-overlooked timber treasures. From the tropical allure of bocote and zebrawood to the domestic charm of curly maple and black locust, each species offers its own unique set of visual and practical qualities that can elevate any project to new heights.

And then there are the truly unexpected wonders, like the remarkable lignum vitae, that push the boundaries of what we typically think of as “wood.” These are the kinds of materials that challenge us to think outside the box, to venture beyond the familiar and embrace the unconventional.

After all, isn’t that what woodworking is all about? Pushing the limits of what’s possible, exploring new frontiers, and creating something truly remarkable in the process. So why settle for oak and maple when the world of alternative woods holds so many untapped possibilities?

Whether you’re a passionate luthier searching for the perfect tonewood, a furniture maker on a quest for a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, or a designer looking to incorporate unique architectural elements, the wide world of alternative woods is waiting to be discovered. So why not take the plunge and explore the unexpected? You just might be surprised by what you find.