Padauk (African)

Common Name(s)

African Padauk, Vermillion

Scientific Name

Pterocarpus soyauxii

Tree Distribution

Central and tropical west Africa

Tree Size

100-130 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. trunk diameter

Janka Hardness

1970 lbf

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). UV-inhibiting finishes may prolong, but not prevent the gradual color-shift of this brightly colored wood.

Grain / Texture

Grain is usually straight, but can sometimes be interlocked. With a coarse, open texture and good natural luster.

Pricing / Availability

Widely imported as lumber in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, as well as turning and craft blanks. Should be moderately priced for an import. Padauk is perhaps the most frequently misspelled (and mispronounced) wood species, with Padouk, Paduk, and Paduak being common misspellings. The most common pronunciation is pah-DUKE, it is sometimes mispronounced as Paducah—a city in Kentucky.

- Information cited from Wood-Database.com