When selecting wood for a project, the darkness or lightness of the wood is an important consideration. Very dark woods can create beautiful contrasts and rich, dramatic effects. So what are some of the wood species that are known for being extremely dark in color? Here are some of the most common very dark wood types:
Ebony
Ebony is perhaps the darkest and densest wood that is commercially available. It is a hardwood that comes from various species of ebony trees, most commonly found in central Africa and southeast Asia. Ebony has a black color that is often accentuated with dark brown or gray streaks. The deep black color comes from the high levels of minerals and waxes in the wood.
African Blackwood
As the name suggests, African blackwood is another intensely dark hardwood. It comes from the mpingo tree native to southeast Africa. The heartwood of African blackwood is a rich black or deep purple color. It has an extremely dense grain and takes on a very smooth polished finish. African blackwood is prized for making musical instruments like clarinets and oboes.
Cocobolo
Cocobolo is a tropical hardwood found in Central America and Mexico. The heartwood of cocobolo ranges from reddish brown to almost solid black. It often has dramatic streaks of black and orange. Cocobolo has high natural oil content which helps accentuate the deep, dark color. It is frequently used in fine furniture, gun grips, and small decorative items.
Gaboon Ebony
Gaboon ebony comes from a species of persimmon tree found in central Africa. Of all the ebonies, it is one of the darkest black colors. It has a straight black grain with no visible pores or streaks. Gaboon ebony is extremely dense and takes an incredible polished finish. But it is very rare and expensive compared to other black woods.
Wenge
Wenge is a tropical hardwood from Africa. The heartwood has a very dark brown/black color, sometimes with lighter brown streaks. The wood has a distinctive striped grain pattern, almost resembling flowing water. Wenge is naturally matte but takes polish well. It is often used for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
Zebrawood
Despite the name, zebrawood is not striped like a zebra. It is named for its uneven, mottled coloring. Zebrawood comes from a few species of Brazilian hardwood trees. The wood is mostly medium to very dark brown with darker black streaks throughout. The pattern can resemble zebra stripes, but also abstract brush strokes.
Bubinga
Bubinga is an African hardwood that can also display very dark coloring. It has a reddish or purplish-brown hue that frequently appears black. Bubinga has an interlocked grain and a moderately coarse texture. The wood can contain water marks that create interest. Bubinga takes an exceptional polish and is often used in high-end cabinetry and furniture.
Brazilian Rosewood
Despite the name, Brazilian rosewood is typically a very dark purple-brown or black. Only thin slices show the characteristic rose color that gives this wood its name. Brazilian rosewood comes from a species of legume tree native to the coasts of Brazil. Overharvesting makes this wood very rare. The uniforms stripes and shimmery chatoyance make it prized for musical instruments.
Goncalo Alves
Goncalo Alves comes from a species of tropical hardwood trees native to South America. The heartwood is predominantly medium to very dark brown. But it can also have dramatic color variation with black, brown, and blond streaks. Goncalo Alves has excellent workability and takes a high polish. It is most often used for decorative turnings and small specialty items.
Lignum Vitae
Lignum vitae is known as the “tree of life” and is the national tree of the Bahamas. It is an extremely dense tropical hardwood that sinks in water. The wood color ranges from dark green to almost solid black, sometimes with streaks of dark brown. Lignum vitae has natural oils that help bring out the deep black color. Historically, it was once used for ship propeller shafts.
Bubinga vs. Wenge
Bubinga and wenge are two African hardwoods that can appear similar since they both display very dark black heartwood. But there are a few differences:
– Bubinga has a purple/red hue while wenge is more straight black or dark brown.
– Wenge has a distinctive striped grain pattern while bubinga has a more random grain.
– Bubinga is slightly lighter and takes a better polish than wenge.
– Wenge is slightly harder than bubinga.
So bubinga has a hint of red/purple while wenge is truer black. But they are easily confused since both can be very dark woods.
Characteristics of Very Dark Woods
Very dark woods like ebony and gaboon ebony share some common characteristics:
– They have high natural oil content which accentuates the dark color.
– The heartwood is naturally black-colored due to high mineral deposits.
– Dense grain and closed pores allow the woods to take an incredible polished finish.
– Often expensive and rare due to restricted supply.
– Used for high-end decorative items like musical instruments, furniture, turnings.
The deep black color and smooth polished finish make these woods extremely attractive for fine woodworking when appearance is important. But the rarity and expense of very dark woods also limits their widespread use.
Using Dark Woods
There are many attractive ways to use very dark woods:
– As accent pieces like borders or inlays to provide contrast.
– For striking borders around lighter materials like maple or birch.
– On small decorative objects like pens, boxes, bowls, etc.
– As a dramatic base for lighter tone woods in marquetry or intarsia.
– Complemented by metal accents like aluminum or stainless steel.
– Paired with stone materials like black granite and obsidian.
The bold contrast of very dark woods helps highlight lighter materials. They also create an elegant, finished look on high-end products. But moderation is recommended, as large surfaces of very dark wood can seem imposing and heavy.
Finish Recommendations
Very dark woods showcase beautifully under certain finish options:
| Finish | Description |
|---|---|
| Oil | Penetrating oil helps accentuate depth of color while allowing the texture to show through. |
| Wax | Wax finishes provide a low luster satin look that retains the natural color richness. |
| Lacquer | Clear gloss lacquer creates a glass-like coated finish that enhances jet black tones. |
| Varnish | High gloss varnish can provide extremely reflective surfaces to showcase exotic dark grain. |
| Stain | Stains are usually not needed but ammonia fuming can produce unique greys and browns on some black woods. |
Oils, waxes, and high gloss coatings tend to look best on the darkest ebonies, rosewoods, and cocobolos. This allows their exotic colors to take center stage. Very dark woods rarely need stains but fuming can create unique effects.
Sustainability of Dark Woods
Some very dark woods come from threatened or endangered tree species due to overharvesting. Efforts to salvage wood from verified sustainable sources helps support responsible forestry.
– Seek woods verified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
– Use reclaimed lumber when possible.
– Choose alternative domestic woods like black walnut or mesquite.
– Opt for woods from tree plantations rather than old growth forests.
– Support companies using sustainable practices.
– Use dark woods sparingly to minimize the need for rare exotic species.
With care and conscientious sourcing, the stunning beauty of dark exotic hardwoods can continue to be responsibly enjoyed.
Conclusion
Woods like ebony, gaboon ebony, and African blackwood represent the darkest of the dark when it comes to wood species. Their jet black tones come from natural waxes and mineral deposits within the wood. When smoothly polished, these rare woods display a glassy finish and striking contrast against lighter materials. Their allure comes with a cost though – sourcing woods sustainably requires diligence. But used judiciously, the most light-absorbing ebonies, rosewoods, and tropical hardwoods can construct one-of-a-kind works of functional art.
