Exotic Hardwood Lumber
Exotic Hardwood Lumber in Los Angeles
Exotic hardwoods bring a level of color, figure, and character that domestic species simply can't match. From the deep purples of purpleheart to the rich reds of padauk and the dramatic grain of zebrawood, exotic lumber is the go-to choice for statement furniture, accent pieces, musical instruments, turnings, and custom inlays. At House of Hardwood, we carry a curated selection of exotic hardwood lumber and can source specialty species to order for woodworkers, furniture makers, luthiers, designers, and contractors across Los Angeles.
Our Exotic Hardwood Lumber Selection
We keep a rotating selection of the most popular exotic species in stock, including bloodwood, bubinga, padauk, purpleheart, wenge, zebrawood, and others as available. Stock is offered in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses in both rough-sawn and surfaced options where supply allows. Because we carry a smaller inventory of exotics than our core domestic species, availability changes frequently - and for larger quantities or less common species, we can typically place a special order with a short lead time.
Why Woodworkers Choose Exotic Hardwoods
- Unmatched color range - Exotics offer vivid natural tones - deep reds, purples, blacks, and oranges - that no stain can replicate on domestic wood
- Striking grain and figure - Species like zebrawood, bocote, and lacewood deliver bold, eye-catching patterns that elevate any project
- Exceptional hardness - Many exotics rank well above domestic hardwoods on the Janka scale, making them excellent for high-wear surfaces, tool handles, and cutting boards
- Specialty applications - Prized by luthiers for tonewoods, turners for blanks, and craftspeople for jewelry boxes, pens, and inlays where a small piece makes a big impact
- Design versatility - Exotic accents paired with domestic primary stock - like a wenge inlay on a walnut table - create contrast and depth without the cost of a full exotic build
Ordering & Lead Times
Sizing
Here at the House Of Hardwood, we sell most of our lumber by volume, using Board Feet.
Volume = Thickness" x Width" x Length" / 144 = bf
Importantly, the hardwood measuring system bases the thickness based on rough cutting done at the lumber mill, so all fractions indicate the ROUGH thickness.
We sell our hardwood S2S (Surfaced 2 Sides) – This means the boards have been planed down from their rough cut form to be flat. The edges are still not straight at this point, but we can straighten them up for you!
This S2S operation removes 3/16" therefore it is important to note net thicknesses:
| Rough Thickness | Net Thickness (S2S) |
|---|---|
| 4/4 Lumber | 13/16" |
| 5/4 Lumber | 1 1/16" |
| 6/4 Lumber | 1 5/16" |
| 8/4 Lumber | 1 13/16" |
| 10/4 Lumber | 2 5/16" |
| 12/4 Lumber | 2 13/16" |
| 16/4 Lumber | 3 13/16" |
We stock a small but rotating selection of exotics at all times, and we're happy to source additional species or quantities to order. Most special orders carry a short lead time. Call ahead or stop by to see what's currently on the rack, or let our team know what you're looking for and we'll get you a timeline.
📍 2414 S. Wellesley Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064 📞 310-479-4196 ✉️ info@houseofhardwood.com 🕐 Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4:00 pm