Manzanita wood in very dense, hard and strong. The heart wood is dark brown or reddish brown and there will usually be a narrow ring of whitish sapwood around the outside. This outer layer can weather into darker colors and even a silvery gray color when bleached by the sun.
Since manzanita is so small and grows so crooked, large pieces of wood can be hard to find. As it dries the dense wood tends to crack so that makes for even smaller pieces. But for making small items, manzanita is very beautiful and durable. The wood with its intricate colors and grain patterns can polish to a shine making it rival exotic hardwoods for its beauty.
When manzanita wood is green it can be easy to cut and work. But many wood workers prefer to let it dry and crack first so they can work around the cracks. Once it is dry it gets very hard so good sharp tools are best for working with this wood.
Wood turners and other artists love manzanita burl wood. The burls usually grow around the roots or the base of the tree. These growths are prized for the unusual grain patters. Burl wood is more rare since only some trees will produce burls. Some locations and growing conditions are more likely to produce burls than others.
Manzanita is also a common choice material for pet supplies such as bird perches and aquarium wood. The wood is non toxic to animals, resists decay, is easy to clean and is highly durable. Its durability makes this wood hold up to animals that chew other types of wood apart.