Padauk (African Padauk)
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea).
- Hardness
- 1,720 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and powder post beetles. Highly stable once seasoned.
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Grain Pattern
Typically straight but occasionally interlocked. The sample shows a coarse texture with large, open pores visible on the end grain, characteristic of the genus.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a vibrant reddish-orange when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown or purple-brown over time with UV exposure. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated.
Hardness (Janka)
1,720 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and powder post beetles. Highly stable once seasoned.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern sample, likely seasoned within the last 5-10 years based on the sharpness of the saw marks and lack of significant oxidation/patina on the cut surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered a sustainable exotic timber choice.
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments (marimba keys, guitar fingerboards), furniture, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea).
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout. Glues and finishes well, though the large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting finishes (such as certain lacquers or oils) are recommended to slow the inevitable color shift from orange to dark brown. Hard wax oils also yield excellent results.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when working. Dust can be an irritant and can stain surrounding surfaces bright orange. Extremely dimensionally stable with high internal strength.
