Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Nov 27, 2007 05:20pm | #1

   Redheart holds its color pretty well, although it fades in strong sunlight. A UV-blocking finish would probably help. It may be difficult to find in veneer form.

   There are (at least) two completely unrelated species of tree going by the name "redheart." One is a Eucalyptus from Australia, the other is Erythroxylon mexicanum from Mexico. They look similar--reddish overall, with darker swirls--but I don't know about their relative ability to hold their color. I've only ever used the one from Mexico.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   tkumpf | Nov 28, 2007 01:59am | #4

   Thanks to all for great ideas I will try all of them!
   tom

2. 
   frenchy | Nov 27, 2007 08:21pm | #2

   tkumpf

     If retaining a deep red color is your objective than African Bloodwood is the solution.  It will fade but takes many many many decades longer than Paduack. 

       Be prepared for a really steep sticker shock!  Paduack sells for a little over $3.50 a bd.ft. (or did the last time I bought it) while Bloodwood is in the $12.00 range..

1. 
   philip | Nov 28, 2007 08:46am | #6

   Frenchy, do you know the botanical name of the African Bloodwood you refer to? If it is Pterocarpus Angolensis then one should be aware that this timber can indeed be a dark red colour but also it can range from a light brown to deep brown, depending upon which region it comes from. The reddish stuff seems to be less common.Philip Marcou

3. 
   pattrnmkr | Nov 28, 2007 01:15am | #3

   Red heart is a good choice, i think i attached a photo that has some that is about a year old now, it darkened, but not bad. The red heart in the pictures has 3 coats of tried and true varnish oil on it. I'll put 5 or six on before i hit it with wax. I have heard that an occasional coat with armor all will retard the oxidation, but eventually it will darken further. (and still look awesome in my opinion)

   
4. 
   Samson | Nov 28, 2007 06:05am | #5

   Mahogany will stay a very nice reddish brown in my experience and is easy to come by. 

   Some individual pieces of cherry can be very red as well.