Redheart and Bloodwood are two strikingly red hardwoods that can look surprisingly similar, especially when freshly cut. Both are used for turning, furniture, inlays, decorative projects, and other specialty woodworking applications. However, they differ considerably in hardness, density, durability, workability, and price.
Bloodwood is significantly harder, heavier, and more resistant to decay and insects than Redheart, while Redheart is generally easier to machine and work with. If you are choosing between the two, the best option depends on whether you prioritize workability, appearance, durability, or hardness.
Redheart vs Bloodwood: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Redheart | Bloodwood |
|---|---|---|
| Common name | Redheart, Chakte Kok | Bloodwood, Satine |
| Scientific name | Erythroxylum spp. and Simira spp. | Brosimum rubescens |
| Main distribution | Southern Mexico to southern Brazil and Paraguay | Tropical South America |
| Color | Orange-pink to bright watermelon red | Bright vivid red to brownish red |
| Average dried weight | About 40 lb/ft³ (640 kg/m³) | About 66 lb/ft³ (1,050 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | About 1,210 lbf | About 2,900 lbf |
| Decay resistance | Moderate | Very high |
| Workability | Relatively easy | Difficult |
| Tool wear | Moderate | High |
| Common uses | Turning, veneer, furniture, inlays | Turning, furniture, inlays, instruments |
| Price | Moderate to moderately high | Moderate to moderately high |
The published figures show just how different these woods are despite their similar appearance. Redheart has a Janka hardness of about 1,210 lbf, while Bloodwood is rated at about 2,900 lbf.
What Is Redheart Wood?
Redheart is a colorful hardwood commonly sold under the names Redheart and Chakte Kok. The name can refer to species in the Erythroxylum and Simira genera, so the botanical identity should be confirmed when precise species information is important.
Redheart occurs from southern Mexico through parts of Central and South America. The trees can reach approximately 50–65 feet (15–20 m) in height, with trunks around 1–1.5 feet (0.3–0.5 m) in diameter.
The heartwood is valued primarily for its unusual red color. Depending on the particular board and species, the color can range from orange-pink and watermelon red to darker reddish-brown. Freshly surfaced boards can be especially bright.
Redheart has a fine, even texture and usually straight or irregular grain. It machines, sands, glues, turns, and finishes relatively well, making it easier to use than many extremely dense exotic hardwoods.
One disadvantage is that its bright color is not completely permanent. Exposure to sunlight can cause Redheart to fade toward reddish brown. A finish containing UV protection and reduced exposure to strong light can slow this change.
What Is Bloodwood?
Bloodwood is a dense tropical hardwood most commonly referring to Brosimum rubescens. It is also known as Satine and is native to tropical South America.
The tree can reach approximately 80–150 feet (25–45 m) in height, with large trunk diameters. The heartwood is famous for its vivid red color, which can gradually become darker and more brownish-red with exposure to light.
The name Bloodwood can be confusing because it is also used for several unrelated trees in different parts of the world. Therefore, when purchasing lumber, it is better to check the scientific name rather than relying only on the common name.
For woodworking purposes, Bloodwood generally means Brosimum rubescens.
Unlike Redheart, Bloodwood is extremely dense and hard. It has a fine texture, usually straight to slightly interlocked grain, and a naturally attractive surface that can polish to a high luster.
Redheart vs Bloodwood: Key Differences
1. Appearance
Both woods are popular because of their red coloration, but their appearance is not identical.
Redheart can range from orange-pink and watermelon red to darker brownish red. Its grain can be more visible and figured, depending on the board.
Bloodwood is generally more intensely red. Freshly surfaced Bloodwood can have a vivid crimson or blood-red appearance, although it can darken toward brownish red as it ages and is exposed to light.
If you are choosing wood primarily for a strong red color, Bloodwood generally has the more intense appearance.
2. Hardness
Bloodwood is much harder than Redheart.
Redheart has a Janka hardness of approximately 1,210 lbf (5,380 N), while Bloodwood is approximately 2,900 lbf (12,900 N).
That means Bloodwood has roughly 2.4 times the Janka hardness of Redheart.
The Janka test measures the force required to embed a standard steel ball into the wood. A higher value generally indicates greater resistance to dents and wear.
For projects exposed to heavy wear, Bloodwood has a clear advantage.
3. Density and Weight
Bloodwood is considerably heavier than Redheart.
Redheart has an average dried weight of about 40 lb/ft³ (640 kg/m³), while Bloodwood is around 66 lb/ft³ (1,050 kg/m³).
This difference is noticeable when handling boards.
Redheart is comparatively easier to move, cut, sand, and shape. Bloodwood feels extremely dense and heavy for its size.
4. Durability
Bloodwood has the advantage in natural durability.
Redheart is considered moderately resistant to decay fungi, making it reasonably durable for many interior woodworking applications.
Bloodwood is reported to be very durable and resistant to most insect attacks. ITTO also reports resistance to decay-causing organisms, termites, and dry-wood insects for Brosimum rubescens.
Therefore, when durability is the primary consideration, Bloodwood is the stronger choice.
However, durability does not automatically mean that either species is the best choice for every outdoor application. Proper design, moisture control, finishing, and installation still matter.
5. Workability
This is one of the biggest differences between the two woods.
Redheart is relatively pleasant to work with. It planes, machines, sands, turns, glues, and finishes well.
Bloodwood is much more demanding. Its high density can cause significant cutter wear, and the wood can be brittle and prone to splintering. Sharp tools and appropriate cutting techniques are important.
If you are working with ordinary woodworking tools and want an easier experience, Redheart is generally the better option.
6. Tool Wear
Bloodwood’s extreme hardness means it can dull cutting tools much faster than Redheart.
When machining Bloodwood:
- Use sharp cutters.
- Take appropriate cutting passes.
- Pre-drill before fastening.
- Use carbide tooling when appropriate.
- Be careful of splintering and tear-out.
- Wear appropriate respiratory and eye protection when producing dust.
ITTO describes the blunting effect of Bloodwood on cutting tools as moderate, while the Wood Database notes its pronounced tendency to dull cutters.
7. Common Uses
Redheart is commonly used for:
- Turning
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Veneer
- Inlays
- Decorative woodworking
- Specialty projects
Its color makes it particularly attractive when used as an accent alongside lighter woods.
Bloodwood is commonly used for:
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Turning
- Inlays
- Carvings
- Trim
- Guitar parts
- Knife handles
- Musical instruments
Its hardness, density, and strong red color make it especially useful for small decorative and specialty components.
Redheart vs Bloodwood: Which Is Easier to Work With?
Redheart is easier to work with.
Its moderate density and good machining characteristics make it more forgiving for general woodworking. It turns, sands, glues, and finishes well.
Bloodwood requires more care because of its high density and hardness. It can dull blades, splinter during machining, and be difficult to work with hand tools. ITTO describes Brosimum rubescens as moderately difficult to work with hand tools and reports that pre-boring is required for nailing or screwing.
For a beginner or someone using basic woodworking tools, Redheart is usually the more practical choice.
Redheart vs Bloodwood: Which Is More Durable?
Bloodwood is more durable.
Redheart has moderate resistance to decay, while Bloodwood is rated as very durable and has strong resistance to decay organisms and insects.
Bloodwood’s greater hardness also makes it more resistant to dents and everyday wear.
That said, hardness and decay resistance are different properties. A harder wood is not automatically more resistant to every form of moisture damage, and outdoor performance also depends on construction and exposure.
Which Wood Has the Better Color?
If you want a brighter, more intense red, Bloodwood is generally the better choice.
Redheart can also be extremely colorful, especially when freshly cut, but its color tends to change more noticeably with sunlight. Bloodwood also darkens over time, changing toward a darker brownish red.
Neither should be chosen with the expectation that the freshly cut color will remain completely unchanged forever.
Which Wood Is Better for Turning?
Both Redheart and Bloodwood are excellent choices for woodturning.
Choose Redheart if:
- You want easier machining.
- You are using standard tools.
- You want a colorful turning blank.
- You prefer a lighter hardwood.
Choose Bloodwood if:
- You want maximum hardness.
- You want a very dense turning blank.
- You prefer an intense red color.
- You are comfortable working with difficult exotic hardwoods.
Bloodwood’s density can make turning more demanding, but the finished surface can be exceptionally attractive. Both species are documented for turning applications.
Redheart vs Bloodwood: Price and Availability
Prices vary considerably depending on the supplier, board dimensions, grade, color, and location.
Redheart is generally sold as a specialty imported hardwood, while Bloodwood is also available through specialty hardwood suppliers in boards, turning blanks, and smaller pieces. The Wood Database currently describes Bloodwood prices as moderate to moderately high for an imported hardwood.
Rather than choosing solely based on price per board foot, compare the actual quality and dimensions of the lumber you are buying. A highly figured or unusually bright piece can cost considerably more than ordinary stock.
Redheart vs Bloodwood: Which Should You Choose?
The better wood depends on the project.
Choose Redheart if you want:
- Easier workability
- A colorful red hardwood
- Good turning characteristics
- Easier sanding and machining
- A moderately hard specialty wood
Choose Bloodwood if you want:
- Much higher hardness
- Greater natural durability
- Strong resistance to insects and decay
- Very high density
- A vivid red appearance
- Excellent wear resistance
For general decorative woodworking, Redheart is often the easier and more practical option. For projects where hardness, durability, and a deep red color are more important, Bloodwood has the advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bloodwood harder than Redheart?
Yes. Bloodwood has a Janka hardness of approximately 2,900 lbf, compared with about 1,210 lbf for Redheart. Bloodwood is therefore roughly 2.4 times harder by Janka rating.
Is Redheart the same as Bloodwood?
No. They are different woods. Redheart is associated with species in the Erythroxylum and Simira genera, while the Bloodwood used in the woodworking trade is generally Brosimum rubescens.
Does Redheart change color?
Yes. Redheart’s bright red color can fade toward reddish brown when exposed to sunlight. A UV-resistant finish can slow the change but generally cannot prevent it completely.
Does Bloodwood change color?
Yes. Bloodwood can darken from bright red toward a darker brownish red with exposure to light. Keeping it away from strong direct sunlight and using a protective finish can help slow the change.
Is Bloodwood difficult to work with?
Yes. Bloodwood is extremely dense and can significantly dull cutting tools. It can also splinter during machining. Sharp tools and careful machining techniques are recommended.
Is Redheart good for woodworking?
Yes. Redheart is a good specialty hardwood for turning, furniture, veneer, cabinets, inlays, and decorative projects. It is generally easier to machine than Bloodwood.
Which is more durable, Redheart or Bloodwood?
Bloodwood is generally more durable. Redheart has moderate decay resistance, while Bloodwood is reported to be very durable and resistant to decay organisms and insect attack.
Final Verdict
Redheart and Bloodwood are both excellent choices when you want naturally red hardwood, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Redheart is the better choice for easier woodworking and decorative projects, while Bloodwood is the better choice when hardness, durability, density, and intense red color are the priorities.
If you are new to exotic hardwoods, Redheart is generally easier to machine and more forgiving. If you have sharp, high-quality tools and need a particularly hard and durable wood, Bloodwood is worth considering.
One important point when buying either species is to verify the scientific name with the supplier. Common names such as “Redheart” and “Bloodwood” can sometimes refer to different species, so the botanical name is the safest way to ensure that you are comparing the wood you actually intend to buy.