Hardwood • Exotic Species

Padauk Wood Guide 2026

Pterocarpus spp.

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Species Team
|Sources & methodology
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by Lumberama Wood Species Team

Typically described as bright orange-red durable wood

Catalog Price Reference

$9.15 – $20.00

per board foot

Unverified catalog note: Vivid orange-red; darkens with UV exposure.

Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.

Wood Appearance

Padauk natural grain

Natural Grain

Padauk finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 39 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Cameroon;Myanmar
  • Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
  • Common uses include Flooring, Furniture, Turnings

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
2,170 lbf
Density
39 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Cameroon;Myanmar
Current Price
Supplier quote needed
SoftHard

Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Very Durable
Outdoor suitability
Excellent
Dimensional stability
Excellent

Texture: Coarse and open texture with large pores.

Workability: Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools despite its density.

Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.

Finishing: Takes finishes well but oil-based finishes may require extended drying time.

Color change: Color deepens from vivid orange-red to a dark brownish-red over time.

Insect resistance: Highly resistant to termites and other wood-boring insects.

Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.

Common Sizes & Availability

Typical market availability for Padauk. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches.
    Lengths
    Random lengths typically from 6 to 12 feet.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths ranging from 4 to 12 inches.
    Lengths
    Random lengths typically from 6 to 12 feet.
    Request this size →

Decking & exterior profiles

Available in specialty decking boards with eased edges.

Availability notes: Imported wood regularly available through specialized lumber dealers.

How lumber sizes are described
Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
Nominal vs. actual
Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Random width / length
Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.

Color & Grain

Color: Bright orange to red; darkens

Grain: Straight to interlocked; coarse texture

Common Uses

  • Flooring
  • Furniture
  • Turnings
  • Outdoor accents

Key Characteristics

Also known as: African Padauk;Andaman Padauk

Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 2,170 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
  • Sourced from Cameroon;Myanmar

Considerations

  • Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
  • Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
  • Availability may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when Padauk is unavailable or over budget.

Related Species

Explore More on Lumberama