Padauk comes from Nigeria, Cameroon, French Equatorial Africa, and the Congo. The striking feature of this wood is its bright orangish-red heartwood. Some pieces include a bit of it’s grayish-white sapwood. The wood is more brightly colored when freshly cut, but darkens substantially over time to a deep reddish/purplish brown. The bright coloring of the wood can be preserved after using a UV inhibiting finish.
It’s texture is coarse and the pore lines are visually predominant. The lumber machines well and can be finished and glued easily. The wood has a low total shrinkage and exhibits little movement. Common uses for Padauk include: veneers, turned objects, musical instruments, tool handles, and other wood novelties.
