Explore Knotty Lumber Co.’s Exotic Wood Selection & their Uses

At The Knotty Lumber Co., we pride ourselves on carrying a carefully curated selection of premium and exclusive hardwoods. As a Canadian owned and operated company, we focus on ethically sourced, high quality material that meets the needs of serious woodworkers, makers, and builders.

What we are best known for is our extensive selection of dimensional exotic lumber, offering species that stand out for their beauty, durability, and performance.

What Are Exotic Woods

Exotic woods refer to hardwood species that are not native to the region where they are commonly used. These woods are often sourced from tropical or subtropical regions and are valued for their distinctive grain patterns, unique colours, and specialized performance characteristics.

Because of their visual impact and material properties, exotic woods are frequently used in high end woodworking projects such as furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments, and architectural features.

Exotic Woods We Carry

Below is an overview of some of the exotic hardwood species we regularly stock, along with their most common applications.

Teak (Tectona grandis)

Teak is one of the most well known exotic hardwoods in the world. Native to South and Southeast Asia, it is prized for its natural oils, durability, and resistance to moisture, insects, and decay.

• Key characteristics: High oil content, excellent weather resistance, strong and stable
• Common uses: Outdoor furniture, boat decking, marine applications, flooring, and exterior millwork
• Sustainability: Responsibly sourced plantation grown teak is essential for long term availability

African Mahogany (Khaya species)

African Mahogany is a group of hardwood species native to Africa that share many characteristics with true American Mahogany. It is valued for its warm colour, attractive grain, and excellent workability.

• Appearance: Medium to reddish brown with straight or ribbon striped grain
• Workability: Machines, carves, and finishes very well
• Common uses: Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneers, musical instruments, and boatbuilding

Canarywood (Centrolobium species)

Canarywood is a vibrant exotic hardwood native to Central and South America. It is instantly recognizable for its striking yellow, orange, and red tones.

• Colour and grain: Bold colour variation with straight to lightly interlocked grain
• Performance: Dense, durable, and dimensionally stable
• Common uses: Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, decorative veneers, and accent pieces

Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra)

Ziricote is a highly decorative exotic hardwood native to Central America. It is known for its dramatic spiderweb like grain patterns and dark, luxurious appearance.

• Appearance: Dark brown to black heartwood with intricate figuring
• Stability: Low movement once properly dried
• Common uses: Fine furniture, veneers, musical instruments, knife handles, and specialty items

Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

Spanish Cedar is a tropical hardwood from Central and South America. Despite its name, it is a member of the mahogany family and is valued for its aromatic properties and insect resistance.

• Aroma: Naturally repels insects and emits a pleasant scent
• Workability: Lightweight, easy to machine, and finishes well
• Common uses: Humidors, cabinetry, doors, windows, interior and exterior millwork

Choosing the Right Exotic Wood

When working with exotic hardwoods, it is important to consider the origin, sustainability, and intended application of the wood. Proper drying, machining, and finishing techniques are essential to getting the best performance and longevity from these premium materials.

Visit The Knotty Lumber Co.

Our team at The Knotty Lumber Co. is always happy to help you select the right exotic wood for your next project. Seeing these materials in person is often the best way to appreciate their colour, grain, and character.

Contact us for store hours, or browse our exotic dimensional lumber online to view our current inventory.