Building a successful intarsia project requires a "palette" of different natural wood colors: Color Category Recommended Species Aspen, Basswood , Holly, or Maple Sapwood Yellow/Gold Yellowheart or Canarywood Red/Orange Padauk, Bloodwood, or Aromatic Red Cedar Brown Walnut, Mahogany, or Cherry Black/Dark Wenge, Ebony, or ebonized Walnut/Oak Purple/Blue Purpleheart Tips for Buyers Hand Made: Intarsia
For high-quality, pre-dimensioned wood tailored for scroll saw work and intarsia, these specialized retailers are highly recommended by the community: where to buy wood for intarsia projects
: An excellent source for small variety packs and specialty exotic wood. You can find premium Intarsia Variety Packs featuring 15 different domestic and exotic species like Purpleheart and Padauk. Building a successful intarsia project requires a "palette"
: A reliable chain for woodworking supplies that typically has a dedicated section for thin "project" wood. : Specialized in rare and exotic woods with
: Specialized in rare and exotic woods with unique grain patterns that add character to artistic projects. Retail Chains & Local Options
Finding the right wood for intarsia involves balancing color, grain pattern, and workability. Because intarsia relies on the natural colors of wood rather than stains, sourcing a variety of species is essential for creating depth and detail. Top Online Specialists
: Stocks a wide range of exotic and domestic lumber, though prices for small pieces can be higher than bulk. They carry specialty items like Lignum Vitae for high-end carving.