Padauk

Padauk Color and Appearance

Padauk, native to Africa, is a versatile hardwood known for its vibrant orange-red to reddish-brown heartwood, which darkens to a rich burgundy or brown with age and exposure to light. It finishes beautifully, highlighting its rich color and natural luster. Commonly used as an accent wood in fine furniture. It is valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and striking appearance, making it a popular choice for both functional and artistic woodworking projects.

Grain and Texture

It has a straight to interlocked grain and a coarse texture, making it relatively easy to work with, though interlocked grain may cause tear-out.

Workability and Staining Characteristics

Overall, it is easy to work with, though tearout may occur when planing quartersawn or interlocked grain

Padauk Specifications

Common Names: African padauk, vermillion
Scientific Name: Pterocarpus soyauxii
Average Dried Weight: 1.72 lbs per board foot
Janka Hardness: 1710 Pounds-Force

What to Commission a Piece?

Learn More about the Custom Furniture Design Process

Padauk Furniture

Here are examples of my custom furniture featuring Padauk, either as the main wood species or as an accent.