What is Padouk?

Padouk: versatile and durable tropical hardwood

Padouk (also known as Padoek) is a tropical hardwood species originating from Africa and Asia. The African variant, known as African Padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii), is the most common and is highly valued for its striking color, durability, and versatility. Padouk is known for its vibrant orange-red color that darkens over time to a deeper reddish-brown or even purplish-brown.

Padouk wood

Characteristics of Padouk

Origin

  • Geographical Area: African Padouk primarily grows in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, with large populations in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
  • Tree Height: The African Padouk tree can reach a height of 30 to 50 meters, with a straight, branch-free trunk that can have a diameter of 0.6 to 1.2 meters.
Padouk trees

Appearance and Structure

  • Color: The heartwood of Padouk is bright orange to red when freshly cut, which darkens upon exposure to light and air to a deeper reddish-brown or purplish-brown. The sapwood is creamy to light brown.
  • Texture and Grain: Padouk has a fine to medium texture and a straight to slightly wavy grain.
  • Sheen: The wood has a moderate natural sheen.
Padouk wood structure

Mechanical Properties

Property Value
Density 700-800 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content
Bending Strength (MOR) 110-125 N/mm²
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) 11,000-13,000 N/mm²
Compressive Strength 60-70 N/mm²
Hardness (Janka) 7,200-8,000 N

Applications of Padouk

Padouk is versatile and is used in a wide range of applications:

Construction and Building

  • Decking and Patios: Ideal for decking and patios due to its durability and resistance to weather conditions.
  • Cladding: Suitable for facades because of its aesthetic value and weather resistance.

Conclusion

Padouk is one of the most versatile and durable types of wood. It offers exceptional resistance to weather, insects, and wear. With its vibrant color and excellent mechanical properties, it is an ideal choice for high-quality applications both indoors and outdoors.