Leadwood has a heartwood which is a rich, reddish brown to dark brown color, which will darken with age. The sapwood is a pale yellow color. It has knots and other grain irregularities incorporated within its grain and it has a fine uniform texture. The end grain is diffuse-porous. Leadwood is rated as very durable in regards to decay. It is difficult to work with and can give problems when gluing and finishing. It turns superbly.