Padauk (African Padauk)
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and West Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo)
- Hardness
- 1,725 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and termites
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture and visible large pores
Color & Appearance
Vivid reddish-orange heartwood when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown with exposure to UV. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated. Moderately high luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,725 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and termites
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut, likely less than 5 years old based on the vibrancy of the orange hue and sharp mill marks.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern; Not CITES listed; widely available
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, tool handles, and specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo)
Workability
Generally easy to work; glues and finishes well. Large pores may require filling for a smooth finish. Interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Red dust is pervasive and can stain surfaces/hands.
Finish Recommendations
Apply a UV-inhibiting topcoat (like polyurethane or lacquer) to slow the natural darkening; oil finishes will darken the wood significantly.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when worked; wood dust can be a sensitizer/irritant; known for its exceptional stability and unique bright orange pigment.
