Padauk (African)
Pterocarpus soyauxii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and Tropical West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo)
- Hardness
- 1,725 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termites. It is often used in marine and exterior applications due to its natural oils and high density.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse texture. Common ribbon-like figure when quarter-sawn; some boards exhibit slight waviness or ripple patterns as seen in the fine transverse cross-hatching in this sample.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a vivid reddish-orange when freshly cut, deepening to a dark reddish-brown or purple-brown over time with exposure to UV light. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated. It has a high natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,725 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termites. It is often used in marine and exterior applications due to its natural oils and high density.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent; likely less than 5 years since milling, as it still retains a vibrant reddish hue which would eventually fade to deep brown if it were vintage or reclaimed.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices; IUCN Red List classifies it as a species of least concern. Generally available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (drums and guitar parts), turned objects, tool handles, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Central and Tropical West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo)
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, but the natural oils and sawdust can be a skin/respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
A UV-inhibiting clear coat (lacquer or polyurethane) is highly recommended to delay the color change. Penetrating oils bring out the depth but may accelerate darkening.
Notable Features
Distinctive faintly aromatic scent when worked. The dust is very fine and bright orange, capable of staining surrounding surfaces and clothing. It is exceptionally stable once dried.
