African Padauk
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and West Africa
- Hardness
- 1,725 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and good resistance to termites and powder post beetles.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse texture and large open pores.
Color & Appearance
Vivid orange-red heartwood when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown or purple-brown over time. Sapwood is yellowish-white. High natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,725 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and good resistance to termites and powder post beetles.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut; minimal oxidation or wear suggests it is a relatively recent fabrication or sample.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, knife handles, turned objects, musical instruments, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work; glues and finishes well, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Can dull cutting edges due to density.
Finish Recommendations
Finishes with a UV-inhibiting clear coat are recommended to delay the color change from orange to brown. Oil finishes enhance the chatoyance but may accelerate darkening.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Dust can be a skin and respiratory irritant; the wood's orange pigment is highly soluble and can bleed into adjacent woods.
