African Padauk
Padauk is one of the most dramatic woods in the shop — that fresh-cut orange-red is unlike anything else. The catch is UV fading: within months of light exposure, it shifts toward reddish-brown, and eventually dark brown. A UV-blocking topcoat helps significantly, but plan for color change regardless. Workability is easy — it machines cleanly and turns well. The dust is a serious sensitizer though, so run dust collection and wear a respirator every time, without exception.
- Expecting the color to stay vivid — it fades fast without UV-blocking finish
- Skipping respiratory protection — sensitization risk is real and cumulative
- Pairing with other woods for contrast without planning for color fade — the combination will look different in a year
Freshly cut heartwood is a vivid, almost fluorescent orange-red — one of the most striking colors in any wood. Fades significantly with UV exposure to reddish-brown or dark brown over months. Sapwood is pale yellow to white and clearly demarcated.
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Turns and finishes nicely. The primary consideration is UV fading — the striking orange-red color shifts to brown without UV-blocking finish. Works without the CITES complications of true rosewoods.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Rare / not commonly imported |
| Australia/NZ | Specialty importers only |
| Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Africa | Widely available |