Padauk (African Padauk)
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Hardwood / Exotic
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic
- Origin
- Central and Tropical West Africa
- Hardness
- 1,725 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent decay resistance and good resistance to termites and other insects
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse texture and large, open pores; occasionally shows faint curly figure or ribbon stripes
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a vibrant reddish-orange when freshly cut, deepening to a dark reddish-brown or purplish-brown over time with UV exposure; sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated
Hardness (Janka)
1,725 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent decay resistance and good resistance to termites and other insects
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grain quality
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or surfaced sample; the bright orange hue indicates it hasn't been heavily oxidized or exposed to significant UV light for a long period
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices and reported by the IUCN as being of least concern; generally considered sustainable but check for FSC certification
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments (marimbas/guitars), knife handles, turned objects, and specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Central and Tropical West Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing; glues, turns, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
A UV-inhibiting clear coat (varnish or lacquer) is highly recommended to delay the color shifting from orange to brown; oil finishes look beautiful but accelerate darkening
Notable Features
Features a distinct, faint pleasan scent when being worked; dust can be fine and allergenic (staining surfaces/clothes bright orange); very high strength-to-weight ratio
