Padauk Specs
- Scientific Name
- Pterocarpus soyauxii
- Common Name(s)
- African Padauk, Vermillion
- Distribution
- Central and tropical west Africa
- Janka Hardness
- 1,970 lbf (8,760 N)
- Appearance
- Heartwood color can vary, ranging from a pale pinkish orange to a deep brownish red. Most pieces tend to start reddish orange when freshly cut, darkening substantially over time to a reddish/purplish brown (some lighter pieces age to a grayish brown). See the article Preventing Color Changes in Exotic Woods for more information.
- Texture
- Grain is usually straight, but can sometimes be interlocked. With a coarse, open texture and good natural luster.
- Workability
- Overall Padauk is easy to work; tearout may also occur during planing on quartersawn or interlocked grain. Padauk turns, glues, and finishes well.
- Common Uses
- Veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, tool handles, and other small specialty wood objects.
