Padauk (African Padauk)
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and Tropical West Africa
- Hardness
- 1,970 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and termite attack.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked to straight grain with a medium texture; displays vibrant concentric ring patterns and chatoyant figuring due to the turned bowl orientation.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut surfaces are a striking vivid red or coral-orange, which darkens significantly upon exposure to UV light and aging to a deep brownish-red or purplish-brown with dark streaks.
Hardness (Janka)
1,970 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to decay, rot, and termite attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged (5-15 years), exhibiting the characteristic darkening from bright red to a rich reddish-brown patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, but evaluated on the IUCN Red List as of least concern; widely available though selective logging concerns apply to tropical timbers.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, turned objects, bowls, cabinetry, musical instruments, veneer, and decorative inlay.
Geographic Origin
Central and Tropical West Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools despite its hardness. Glues and finishes well, though its high natural oil content can occasionally interfere with certain glues or finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil and lacquer finishes exceptionally well; traditional oil finishes or polyurethane enhance the chatoyance and rich color depth without obscuring the grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive bright red freshly cut color, pleasant aromatic scent when being worked, high natural stability, and natural oils.
