Padauck

What it is

African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) is a durable hardwood native to West-Central Africa. Freshly worked, it shows a bright orange-red hue that gradually deepens with exposure to light and oil, settling into a rich, warm tone.

Why I love working with it

Padauk brings energy. A single Padauk stripe can transform a simple board into a centerpiece. It machines well, glues reliably, and finishes to a glowing surface that celebrates its natural color—perfect for the ‘exposed grain’ aesthetic I love.

Key traits

- Vivid orange-red color; mellows beautifully with age

- Medium-high hardness with good dimensional stability

- Straight to slightly interlocked grain; fine to medium texture

- Excellent choice for accent stripes and end-grain patterns

- Takes oil finishes nicely; colorfastness improves with UV-aware storage

Where does it come from

Padauk grows across Central and West Africa. It is not sourced from my local supplier, RAW Heartwood, but rather from responsible specialty importers. I use it selectively to ensure each piece celebrates its natural vibrancy without excess waste.

Care tips

- Hand-wash only; dry immediately

- Condition with food-safe mineral oil/board butter to maintain luster

- Minimize long hours of direct sunlight to keep color transitions even

- Expect normal color evolution from bright to richer tones

- For refresh: very light sand, wipe clean, re-oil

Featured in our shop

Padauk appears as joyful accents in cutting boards, utensil caddies, and pencil holders—often paired with Walnut or Maple for striking color contrast.

Why it belongs in your home

Padauk is the life of the gathering—vivid, joyful, and impossible to ignore. Imagine a Padauk-accented board serving vibrant appetizers, the orange-red stripe glowing against fresh greens and fruits. It’s a natural conversation starter, a splash of color that lifts the spirit of a room. For buyers who want their homes to radiate personality, Padauk offers a playful kind of luxury. It resonates with those who embrace color, who view their spaces as expressions of joy and artistry. In a world of neutrals, Padauk is the confident pop that makes your style unforgettable.