African Padauk
Pterocarpus soyauxii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can sometimes be interlocked; coarse texture with fairly large open pores. Displays a faint cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vibrant reddish-orange when freshly cut, darkening to a deep reddish-brown or burgundy over time with light exposure. High natural luster and some chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
1,720 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay, also highly resistant to termites and other insects.
Common Uses
Veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, tool handles, and other small specialty wood objects.
Geographic Origin
Central and Tropical West Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh stock; the vibrant orange hues suggest it has not undergone significant UV-induced darkening (oxidation) common in older samples.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List; not currently CITES listed, but widely available as FSC-certified.
Workability
Easy to work overall; glues and finishes well. Some tearout may occur during planing on surfaces with interlocked grain. Sawdust can be an irritant and cause staining.
Notable Features
Distinct faint, pleasant scent when being worked; dust is a potent orange-red pigment that can stain clothing and equipment; excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting finishes are highly recommended to preserve the bright orange color; oil-based finishes will significantly darken the wood immediately.
Identification Confidence
High; the unique 'blood orange' color combined with the distinct large, open pore structure is a signature characteristic of African Padauk.