Padauk
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Description
A deep red wood obtained from tropical trees, Pterocarpus indicus and Pterocarpus dalbergioides, found in southeast Asia, Africa, and the Andaman islands. Padauk may have a mottled surface with bright red or black streaks. It is a hard, strong wood that is naturally durable. Padauk is used for decorative cabinetwork, turnery, veneer, piano cases and parquet. A related species, Burma padauk from the Pterocarpus macrocarpus tree has a harder more yellowish wood.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Pterocarpus indicus; Pterocarpus dalbergioides; padauk; corail (Fr.); pau rosa de Timor (Port.); amboyna; padouk; vermilion wood; corail
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Heartwood ranges from pale pink to to deep brownish red, darkening with time
- Grain is interlocked with a coarse texture and open pores
- Wood is resistant to decay and insects
- Density = 45-55 ppcf
Working Properties
- Easy to work; tearout may occur during planing on quartersawn or interlocked grain
- Turns, glues, and finishes well.
Resources and Citations
The Wood Database: Andaman Paduauk
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 434
- Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
- F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965