Padauk Lumber

Padauk Lumber in Los Angeles

Padauk is one of the most visually dramatic hardwoods in the world. Fresh off the saw, its vivid orange-red color is unlike anything else in the lumber yard - bold, saturated, and impossible to replicate with stain. Over time it mellows to a rich, deep reddish-brown that carries its own distinguished beauty. Combined with excellent hardness, good stability, and natural decay resistance, padauk is a favorite for accent furniture, cutting boards, inlays, turnings, and any project where color is the centerpiece. At House of Hardwood, we carry padauk lumber to serve woodworkers, turners, furniture makers, designers, and craftspeople across Los Angeles. If you’re exploring other striking options, our selection of exotic hardwood lumber includes many species with equally compelling character.

Our Padauk Lumber Selection

Our padauk lumber is available in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses in both rough-sawn and surfaced (S4S) options. We stock select and better grades of African padauk with the vibrant color and straight-to-interlocked grain the species is known for. Availability can vary with import cycles - ask our team about current stock, widths, and lengths.

Why Woodworkers Choose Padauk

• Unmistakable color - No other commercially available wood delivers padauk’s vivid orange-red tone straight from the mill; it’s a natural showstopper that needs no stain or dye to make an impact
• Beautiful aging - While the initial bright orange darkens over time to a warm reddish-brown, many woodworkers prize both stages of the wood’s color evolution; a UV-inhibiting finish can slow the transition
• Excellent hardness - With a Janka rating of around 1,970 lbf, padauk is harder than white oak and cherry, making it a durable option for cutting boards, flooring accents, and high-use surfaces
• Contrast and accent work - Pairs beautifully with lighter species like maple, ash, or holly in cutting boards, segmented turnings, marquetry, and mixed-wood furniture designs
• Good workability - Despite its density, padauk machines cleanly with sharp tooling and glues, sands, and finishes well; its natural oils help resist moisture and decay