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Paduke
Padauk is an exotic wood that is a bright orange or almost crimson wood when freshly cut, but oxidizes to a darker, rich purple-brown over time – although it stays redder than Indian Rosewood. Slightly harder and heavier than Indian Rosewood it is a good wood in all respects – stable, and easy to work with. It often grows in small groups and is reported to be common in dense equatorial rain forests.
Length: Not specified
Thickness: Hit and miss to 15/16 inches
- Common Name(s): Padauk
- Scientific Name: Pterocarpus soyauxii
- Distribution: Central and tropical West Africa
- Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,720 lbf (7,640 N)
- Crushing Strength: 8,960 lbf/in² (61.8 MPa)
Heartwood: Ranges from a pale pinkish-orange to a deep brownish-red.
Sapwood: Pale yellow, clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Grain: Generally straight, but can be interlocked.
Texture: Coarse, with a good natural luster.
Rated as very durable and resistant to insect attack.
Padauk is generally easy to work with, although it may pose challenges during planing if the grain is interlocked. Turns, glues, and finishes well, but its natural oils can sometimes interfere with gluing.
- Fine furniture
- Veneer
- Turned objects
- Musical instruments
- Decorative pieces
- Specialty wood items
Padauk is prized for its vibrant color and excellent durability. Over time, its color tends to darken to a deep reddish-brown. The wood’s fine texture and natural luster make it ideal for high-end woodworking projects.
Note: Padauk is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but sustainable sourcing practices are recommended to ensure the preservation of this valuable wood.