PADAUK - Pterocarpus soyauxii

​Common Name(s): Padouk
Scientific Name: Pterocarpus soyauxii
Distribution:  Tropical and Central Africa
Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 2-4 ft (6-1.2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 47 lbs/ft3 (745 kg/m3)
Crushing Strength: 8,130 lbf/in2 (56.0 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 3.3%, Tangential: 5.2%, Volumetric: 7.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.6

Padauk is valued for their toughness, stability in use, and decorative, most having a reddish wood.  When freshly cut, is a very bright red/orange but when exposed to sunlight fades over time to a warm brown. Its color makes it a favorite among woodworkers.

Common Uses: ​​​​Furniture, veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, tool handles, and other small specialty wood objects.

Color/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).

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

​​Rot Resistance: Has an excellent decay resistance, and is rated as durable to very durable. Padauk is also reported to be resistant to termites and other insects.