wood choice??

[lucky788scroller]

Ok, I know this is a rather open question, Im just looking for personal opinions here.Not knowing the project I am talking about isnt of much help to you, but................. If a project is cut out of maple (pretty light in color, almost white), do you think it would look nicer with the accent piece thats glued on it to be of walnut, or purpleheart?
I can do it either way, and to me it looks equally good. I know a picture would say a thousand words, but thats not an option to me right now.It is sort of victorian in style though if that helps. So please post which YOU would put with maple on something ,ummm victorianish (if thats a word!). Thanks, Dale

[GrayBeard Phil]

I don't like purpleheart with maple.

I much prefer the deeper red, almost maroon color, of Honduras mahogany. Teak, with it's reddish brown, if you can find any.

Don't count out Redwood. With a finish, the color does pop out.

Phil

[JimSawyer]

Since Purpleheart tends to get really dark, (usually), over time, I would go with the purpleheart. Although, pricewise, walnut is cheaper, I try not to let the cost of the wood hinder my wood choices.

[workin for wood]

I'm definitely siding with the walnut. And pricewise, where I live purpleheart is way way cheaper than walnut. Must be a surplus of it in this state.

Also...ever see Queen Anne funiture in purpleheart? She likes maple's, walnut, sycamore, Holly...more domesticated woods. When the purpleheart darkens, I think it will look even worse with the maple than it does with it's fresh colors.

Just my 2 cents.

Mahogany Santos, that's another good choice to go with maple. Very rich dark colors! Any darker mahogany breed would be good. Stay away from the lighter once and the grey ones.

Want an example? Check this out..santos mahogany and apple, apple being very similar in color to maple.

[minowevie]

well being a beggener in woods. I sure don't have a comment on Dales delema. but I just had to say,
Jeff your pin is just grand, and the woods you used, take my breath away. i love the design, how in the world did you do that. you guys are just talented for sure.
Evie

[Neal Moore]

Dale...I don't know exactly what your project is but I have built a few jewelry boxes out of Maple and used Red Oak wood stained with Red Mahogany for overlays on the boxes. The grain textures of the oak and maple complement each other pretty well and the natural maple color and red mahogany make a nice contrast. Sorry I don't have any photos....I sold all the boxes!! LOL!!!

[Jediscroller]

Without hesitation, if it's victorian I would opt for the walnut. It was very common in Victorian era woodworking.
Jimsawyer....I'm curious where you're getting your walnut. Purpleheart around here is less than $5 a bd. ft. while walnut is running close to $8 a bd. ft.

[Steviegwood]

Dale, I would go with the walnut also being in a victorian design. Walnut and mahogany were very popular dark woods in the victorian designs. Steve

[lucky788scroller]

Ok thats for the input. The reason i mentioned walnut and purpleheart is because that is the two i stacked to cut.Both look great with the maple. I think the walnut as suggested will be the one I use. thank you, Dale