Wood species
Padauk
African padauk · Pterocarpus soyauxii
This African hardwood comes to use kiln-dried and ready to build. Padauk is extremely durable and patinas to a stunning reddish brown (though this patina can be delayed with proper care).
Key facts
- Janka hardness
- Medium-highHard enough for furniture; friendlier than the ultra-dense rosewood cousins
- Stability
- Average-goodInterlock can appear — mind seasonal width movement
- Grain type
- Open & vividCoarse enough to show; color is the main feature
- Rot resistance
- DurableNaturally tough heartwood
- Sustainability
- Monitor listingsAsk about current trade status for the lot
- Workability
- Generally cooperativeSharp tools; watch tear-out on interlock
About this wood
Padauk arrives vivid reddish orange and patinas toward reddish/purplish brown. UV finishes delay that shift; they don’t freeze it forever.
Excellent decay resistance and solid workability when the grain is straight. Open pores often need filler for a glass-smooth topcoat; seal before reactive poly if curing has been finicky for you.
What we carry
- Padauk for vivid red-orange accents and furniture faces
Thickness is sold in quarters (4/4, 6/4, and so on) — see our hardwood thickness guide. Grades: NHLA grades.