African Padauk
Pterocarpus soyauxii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with a coarse, open texture. The sample shows a faint ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn and a slightly wavy, irregular pattern on its face.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vivid reddish-orange when fresh, darkening to a deep reddish-brown or purple-brown over time with UV exposure. Very distinct contrast between the bright heartwood and pale yellow sapwood (not visible in this piece). High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1725 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance and good resistance to termites and other insects.
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments (marimba keys/guitars), furniture, tool handles, and specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Central and Tropical West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or kept away from UV light, as it retains much of its orange-red hue, suggesting it was processed/cut within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is not currently CITES listed, though some Pterocarpus species are under watch. FSC-certified sources are often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Gluing and finishing are easy, but its high extractives content can sometimes bleed into light-colored adjacent woods.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and vibrant natural dye that can stain hands/clothing during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
A UV-inhibiting clear coat or lacquer is highly recommended to slow the inevitable darkening of the color. Film finishes like polyurethane or shellac provide excellent protection and depth.
Identification Confidence
High. The unique orange-red color, open pore structure, and specific grain texture are prototypical of Pterocarpus soyauxii.