Padauk (African)
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and West Africa (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo).
- Hardness
- 1,725 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and termites.
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Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be interlocked; medium to coarse texture with a high natural luster.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a vivid orange or reddish-brown when freshly cut, darkening to a deep maroon or purplish-brown over time. Sapwood is pale beige to yellow.
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 depending on thickness and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut, likely less than 5 years old based on uniform color and lack of oxidation/patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not currently listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but harvesting is monitored.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, musical instruments (marimbas/guitars), knife handles, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa (Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo).
Workability
Challenging if grain is interlocked (tearout), but otherwise glues and finishes well. Sawdust can be a skin/respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting finishes are highly recommended to delay the change from orange/red to dark brown. Penetrating oils work well to highlight grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, pleasant scent when being worked; high strength-to-weight ratio; unique orange-to-red extractives.
