Padauk wood, known for its vibrant color and durability, comes from several species within the Pterocarpus genus, with African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii) and Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides) being the most common. Valued for its aesthetic and practical properties, it's popular for various woodworking projects.

• Appearance: Renowned for its bright reddish-orange to deep crimson color, which can darken over time, adding unique character to finished pieces.
• Grain and Texture: Typically has a straight to interlocked grain with a coarse texture, creating attractive patterns when cut and finished.
• Durability: Highly durable and resistant to decay and insects, suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
• Hardness: With a Janka hardness rating of about 1,720 lbf for African Padauk, it's relatively hard and wear-resistant.
• Density: Dense with a specific gravity of about 0.72 to 0.80, contributing to its strength and durability.
• Workability: Despite its hardness, Padauk is generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, gluing, turning, and finishing well.

Padauk is used for high-quality furniture, flooring, veneers, turned objects, musical instruments, and inlays due to its color and durability.

Sustainable sourcing is crucial, and regular maintenance is required to preserve its appearance, making Padauk a favorite among woodworkers for a variety of projects.