Every week or so I talk to someone on social media (or in real life) who is surprised that a certain product of mine isn’t stained…that those vibrant colors are natural to the wood. Every time it happens, it makes me want to do another hardwood profile blog entry to help get the word out about these amazing exotic hardwoods. This week I’ve been working with Padauk (said Puh-dook) and I forgot how vibrant it is! So I decided that today is the day…here’s your specialty hardwood profile on the beautiful hardwood Padauk.
“When I work with Padauk hardwood, the sawdust makes it look like a big bag of cheetos exploded all over my shop.”
There are at least 35 species of Padauk. Its scientific name is Pterocarpus, which means “wing fruit” because the seed pods look weirdly like little flying saucers. It grows in Africa, both in central and western regions. It is a straight grained wood, and species vary in color from orangish brown to light reddish-orange. It is best known for its vibrant fire-orange color. Just like Purpleheart wood, Padauk changes color after exposure to the elements. Whereas when Purpleheart is cut, it goes from a dull brown to a vibrant purple after a few days, Padauk is the brightest that it will ever be upon being cut. It gradually fades to darker brownish red. As with Purpleheart, this color changing process can be slowed but not stopped.
An Interesting Fact…
The wood nerd inside of me was ecstatic to learn that Padauk burl is actually sold under the name of Amboyna burl. Burl is “a rounded knotty growth on a tree, giving an attractive figure when polished and used especially for handcrafted objects and veneers.” (Google Definition) The reason I was so excited was that I’ve bought and worked with Amboyna burl before. It is highly figured, ridiculously expensive, and truly one of the most beautiful cuts of wood I’ve ever seen. The tobacco pipe that I made (below) has a decorative insert made from Amboyna Burl in the center of the photo.
For more information on Padauk Hardwood, visit the links below, and to see it for yourself, go to your local hardwood store…or simply buy one of my Padauk Magazine Shelves. You won’t be disappointed 
For more information about Padauk, please visit these sites:
- http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/african-padauk/
- http://www.woodworkerssource.com/padauk_african.html
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