What is Padauk Wood?
Padauk wood, specifically African padauk, is a high-quality hardwood species derived from the Pterocarpus soyauxii tree. It is known for its stunning coral red to purple-brown color and exceptional durability, making it a popular choice for various indoor and outdoor applications.
Origin
African padauk primarily comes from Central and West Africa, with Gabon and Cameroon being the main growing regions. These trees grow solitary in the evergreen tropical rainforest. The wind spreads their winged seeds, and they regenerate easily and naturally.
| Country of Origin | Optimal Growing Area |
|---|---|
| Gabon | Coral red with black stripes |
| Cameroon | Homogeneous red |
| Congo | Possible white spots |
| Congo-Brazzaville | Possible white spots |
Appearance and Structure
African padauk trees grow to about 50 meters tall, with a straight, branch-free trunk up to 30 meters. The bark exudes reddish substances, and the crown is highly branched. Characteristic of this tree are the very narrow buttress roots, which can reach up to 6 meters high.
- Heartwood: Coral red to purple-brown, quickly discolors to brown without finishing.
- Sapwood: Cream-colored.
- Texture: Moderately fine grain, sometimes interlocked, usually a uniform structure.
Durability
The heartwood of African padauk is highly durable and falls into natural durability class I, meaning it is excellent at resisting rot and insects. The sapwood, on the other hand, is less durable and falls into natural durability class V.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average density | 750 kg/m³ |
| Radial shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.4% |
| Radial shrinkage (90-60% r.h.) | 0.3% |
| Tangential shrinkage (60-30% r.h.) | 0.5% |
| Tangential shrinkage (90-60% r.h.) | 0.5% |
| Movement (60-30% r.h.) | 0.9% |
| Movement (90-60% r.h.) | 0.8% |
| Bending strength | 121 N/mm² |
| Modulus of elasticity | 13,000 N/mm² |
| Compressive strength (parallel to the grain) | 63 N/mm² |
| Shear strength | 12.2 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) – Longitudinal | 6,860 N |
Workability
African padauk is relatively easy to work with, both machine and hand tools. For interlocked grain, a cutting angle of 20° is recommended to prevent tear-out when planing. Larger dimensions may split, so pre-drilling is necessary. The wood dust can be irritating, making good dust extraction essential.
Finishing
Finishing African padauk can sometimes present challenges, especially with products based on alkyd resins. Pre-cleaning with alcohol or thinner can help reduce these issues. Water-based products (acrylates) are often a good solution. Due to sensitivity to discoloration from light, finishing should be done quickly.
Applications
Thanks to its durability and aesthetic qualities, African padauk is used in a wide range of applications:
- Exterior Joinery: Windows, doors, and cladding.
- Garden Furniture: Durable furniture for outdoor use.
- Decking: Slip-resistant and weather-resistant decking.
- Interior Joinery: Flooring, furniture, and moldings.
- Veneer and Wooden Sculptures: For decorative finishes and artworks.
- Turning and Musical Instruments: Organs, pianos, and other musical instruments.
Commercial Sizes
African padauk is available in various sizes, including:
| Thickness | Fixed Widths | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 26 mm | 80/105/130/155/180/205 mm | 185 cm and longer (from 60 cm for widths of 80 and 105 mm) |
| 65 mm | 90/130/155/180/205 mm | 185 cm and longer |
| Other Thicknesses | 40, 52, 65 or 80 mm (falling widths of 15.5 cm) | 185 cm and longer |
| Beams | 155 x 155, 180 x 180, and 205 x 205 mm | 185 cm and longer |
Conclusion
African padauk is a high-quality, durable hardwood that is ideal for a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors. With its unique color, fine grain, and excellent workability, this wood not only offers aesthetic advantages but also a long lifespan. Despite the higher costs and some challenges in finishing, the many benefits of African padauk make it a valuable investment for projects that require both beauty and durability.