• African Padauk Exotic Hardwood Lumber
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African Padauk 3/4" Thickness by the Piece

African Padauk 3/4" Thickness by the Piece

$14.95 USD
$14.95 USD
Sale Sold Out
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Discover the stunning potential of African Padauk. The vibrant natural colors and versatile features, including easy routing and sanding, make it perfect for your finest woodworking projects. From decorative keepsake boxes to musical instruments, this wood is sure to add a touch of elegance. Add it as an inlay to contrast with lighter or darker woods for a unique finish.

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Origin Central and tropical west Africa
Janka Hardness 1,710 lbf
Average Weight 3.875 lbs/bf
Color Heartwood ranges from pale pinkish orange to deep brownish red; freshly cut surfaces are typically vibrant reddish orange, darkening over time to reddish/purplish brown (lighter pieces may age to grayish brown); UV-inhibiting finishes can slow but not prevent color shift.

Working Characteristics

  • Generally easy to work
  • quartersawn or interlocked grain may cause tearout when planing
  • turns and glues well
  • large open pores typically require filling for a smooth finish
  • seal heartwood before applying reactive oil-based finishes (e.g., polyurethane) to avoid curing issues.

Species Specifications

Botanical Name Pterocarpus soyauxii
Other Names African padauk, vermillion
Origin Central and tropical west Africa
Average Weight 3.875 lbs/bf
Janka Hardness 1,710 lbf
Pore Structure Diffuse porous; growth rings indistinct
Grain / Texture Typically straight grain, occasionally interlocked; coarse, open texture with good natural luster.
Rot Resistance Excellent decay resistance; rated durable to very durable; resistant to termites and other insects.

Hardness Compared to Other Woods

See where African padauk, vermillion falls on the Janka hardness scale compared to other familiar hardwoods.

1,710 lbf
Softer Harder
1,710 lbf
Basswood 410
Cherry 950
Walnut 1010
Red Oak 1290
Hard Maple 1450
Hickory 1820
Purpleheart 2520

The Janka hardness rating measures resistance to denting and wear. Higher numbers generally indicate a harder, denser wood.

Technical Properties
Shrinkage Radial: 3.1%, Tangential: 5.0%, Volumetric: 7.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.6
Modulus of Rupture 18,380 lbf/in2
Elastic Modulus 1,895,000 lbf/in2
Crushing Strength 9,240 lbf/in2

Why Woodworkers Choose Capital Hardwood

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Carefully Selected

We prepare boards with real woodworking projects in mind.

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Surfaced Four Sides

S4S lumber saves shop time and is ready for your next project.

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Ships Nationwide

Order premium hardwood and have it shipped directly to your home or shop.

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Real Woodworkers

We know these materials because we work with them every day.