Padauk

Pictured is Padauk, scientifically known as Pterocarpus soyauxii, although other species of Pterocarpus may also be marketed as Padauk.  The Pterocarupus genus is widely distributed throughout the tropical regions of the old world, although most commercially available specimens were harvested in either Africa or Southeast Asia.  Pterocarpus soyauxii is limited to tropical west and central Africa in a band from Nigeria south including Cameroon, Congo and Angola.  The other species sold as Padauk is scientifically known as Pterocarpus macrocarpus, which is a species native to southeastern Asia, found in areas of northeastern India, Burma, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.  Andaman Padauk was harvested from islands belonging to India in the Indian Ocean.  However, P. macrocarpus is endangered and whenever it is known to be the source of specimens on the market, it should not be purchased.  Rarely, Padauk is confused for a rosewood, but Padauk almost never demonstrates the figure associated with a true rosewood and it should be easy to distinguish Padauk mostly on color and figure alone.

General Characteristics of Padauk

The heartwood of Padauk can vary in coloration, ranging from a pale pinkish orange to a deep brownish red.  In general, most pieces will start out reddish orange when freshly cut, but substantial darkening will occur over time until the color becomes a dark reddish/purplish brown.  Padauk’s initial orange coloration can be preserved through various finishing procedures.  In particular, finishes that build an exterior coating, such as varnishes or lacquers are better at protecting color than finishes that are absorbed into the wood, such as waxes.  Inhibition of the ultraviolet light is the key and this is accomplished through the use of specific inhibitor finishes and/or by keeping the objects made from padauk out of direct sunlight.

The reddish color of Padauk is the result of either a water or alcohol soluble pigment, making it possible to manufacture an orange colored dye from paduak wood.  Unfinished pieces may discolor damp hands but this should not be a problem with finished pieces.

The wood has a coarse texture with fairly large and open pores.  The grain is usually straight but is occasionally interlocking.  The wood is tough and stable, making it relatively easy to work with, and of course, the coloration makes it decorative.  The wood has excellent resistance to decay and is also relatively impervious to insect damage.  The wood can demonstrate a moderate blunting effect on tools, so frequent sharpening, or carbide changes, are mandatory when working with it.

When freshly cut, drilled, or turned, I find that the wood smells distinctly of bubblegum although others report that the smell is only slight.  The extent of the odor seems to vary from piece to piece, with some being quite pronounced and others being essentially free from any scent whatsoever.  Regardless, solid finished pieces will not smell unless cut or sanded.

Other Uses of Padauk Wood and the Padauk Tree

Interestingly, Paduak can also be used as an herbal medicine to treat certain fungal infections and skin parasites.  Also, the leaves are edible, and contain large amounts of vitamin C; they are eaten as a leaf vegetable.

Health Hazards of Padauk

Despite its beauty, Padauk has been reported as an allergic sensitizer, although severe reactions are uncommon.  The most common reactions include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.  Personally, I have not experienced any such problems, but individuals with existing respiratory difficulties, or who have experienced other wood allergies in the past should use protective measures such as full body coverings and respirators when dust is likely to be generated.  A good source of guidance about possible allergic reactions to wood can be found at The Wood Database, which also offers information about protection from dust hazards.

Pricing of Padauk

Padauk pricing is generally moderate and should be similar to what is paid for Purpleheart.  It is widely available from commercial dealers in exotic imported woods.   Pen blank sizes are generally sold for around $1.50 each while bowl blanks sizes of 8”x8”x3” are available for around $35 from West Penn Hardwoods.  Even an enormous blank of 12”x12”x3” is available for the moderate, considering the sheer size, of around $80, again from West Penn Hardwoods.  Other dealers should have specimens available for roughly the same general price although selection is likely to vary widely.

Uses of Padauk

Padauk finds use mostly among hobbyist woodworkers because of its unique color. Some common uses for Padauk include: veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, tool handles, and other small specialty wood objects.  The wood is used in its native Africa for the construction of drums because of its rich and deep tonality, meaning that it should find favor amongst instrument makers in the West as well as a tonewood with quite unusual coloration.

My Personal Experience with Padauk

I have long enjoyed working with Padauk from my first days as a wood turner.  I find that it is relatively easy to work with, cuts and sands beautifully, and is of course lovely to look at.  And I quite enjoy the scent of bubblegum when turning, drilling, or sanding most specimens.  In fact, it was the scent that allowed me to early on identify an otherwise unknown specimen of wood as padauk.