African Padauk
Pterocarpus soyauxii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse texture and large, open pores; often shows a slight ribbon figure when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vivid reddish-orange when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown over time; sapwood is pale beige to yellow. It possesses a moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,725 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and good resistance to termites and other insects.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially marimba bars and guitar backs), tool handles, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grain figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced within the last 12 months, evidenced by the bright orange-red hue which has not yet fully oxidized to deep brown.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices; categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN; FSC-certified sources are often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work; glues and finishes well. However, interlocked grain may cause tearout during planing, and it can have a dulling effect on cutting edges.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, pleasant scent when being worked; dust can be a potent orange dye and a mild skin/respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish or lacquer with UV inhibitors to slow the color change from orange to brown; clear oils enhance depth but accelerate darkening.
Identification Confidence
High; the vibrant orange color combined with the specific coarse, open-pore structure and dark reddish-black streaks is characteristic of African Padauk.