Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) is a tropical African hardwood renowned for its vivid reddish-orange to brick-red color. It is used in furniture, decorative accents, musical instruments, tool handles, knife scales, and turning.

Freshly cut Padauk is a vivid, bright orange-red to scarlet color. Over time and with UV exposure, it darkens to a deeper reddish-brown. The rate of darkening depends on UV exposure and finish type.

Padauk has a Janka hardness of 1,970 lbf (8,760 N).

Yes, Padauk is used as a decorative accent in cutting boards. It is dense enough to hold up to use, but test for any sensitivity as some individuals can have reactions to Padauk dust.

Yes, Padauk fades from its vivid orange-red to a darker brownish-red or reddish-brown with UV exposure. This is a common trait of Pterocarpus species. UV-inhibiting finishes can significantly slow the fading, but some color shift is inevitable over years of light exposure.

African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) is native to central and western Africa, particularly in countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Gabon.

Padauk is generally easy to work with despite its hardness. It machines well, glues satisfactorily, and responds well to hand tools. Its main challenge is its tendency to bleed red-orange pigment, which can stain lighter adjacent woods.

Oil-based finishes, UV-resistant varnishes, and hardwax oils are best for Padauk. UV-inhibiting formulas help preserve the vibrant color.

Yes, Padauk is used in musical instruments including marimbas, xylophones, and guitar components. Its density and resonance characteristics make it suitable for percussion bars and fretboards.