Padauk (African)
Pterocarpus soyauxii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a coarse texture; presents as a straight or wavy pattern on face grain with occasional knots and cathedrals.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vivid reddish-orange when fresh, darkening to a deep reddish-brown or burgundy with age and UV exposure. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,720 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and weathering.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments (guitars/marimbas), tool handles, turnery, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely aged 1-5 years; shows slight oxidation from vibrant orange toward a deeper cinnamon-brown hue.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); not currently listed on CITES appendices. Generally widely available and sustainably harvested.
Workability
Blades must be sharp to avoid tearout on interlocked grain. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a glass-like surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, pleasing scent when worked. Dust can be a potent orange dye and a respiratory irritant. High strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting clear coats (lacquer or polyurethane) are recommended to delay color shift. Oil finishes enhance depth but accelerate darkening.
Identification Confidence
High; the unique vibrant orange-red hue, coarse open-pore structure, and characteristic grain swirl around the knot are diagnostic for African Padauk.