Paduak

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Andaman Redwood, Indian Redwood, East Indian Mahogany, Vermilion Wood

Durability Notes:
The heartwood of Paduak is very durable and moderately resistant to termites and other insects; it can last up to 25 years in contact with the ground. The sapwood is vulnerable to pinhole borers, and is permeable for preservative treatment, but the heartwood is fairly resistant to treatments.

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Paduak is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Paduak - It dries well and quickly with little impact on the grade and quality of the wood, especially if standing tress are girdled and allowed to dry before feeling. The wood has very good dimensional stability. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
The wood is heavy, dense and resistant to wear. It had a high crushing strength, low stiffness and resistance to shock loads and medium bending strength. It is not suitable for steam bending. It work well with hand tools but the interlocking grain has a tolerable blunting effect. When planing quarter sawn stock, a reduced cutting angle is advised, moulding can be challenging. Pre-drilling is recommended for nailing. The wood saws, turns, glues, screws and sands well and can be brought to a good polish.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinetry, Flooring, Musical Instruments, Turned Objects, Carvings.

Moisture Content:
12-15% KD

Possible Health Risks:
The sawdust can cause itching, swollen eyelids, nasal irritation and vomiting

Commonly asked questions about Paduak Wood

Is Paduak a hardwood or a softwood? Paduak is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Paduak hardwood or softwood? - Paduak is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Paduak family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Paduak? Paduak can be described as brown, dark brown, dark red, red

Is Paduak good for outdoor use? or is Paduak good for exterior use? Paduak is most suited for exterior/external use. Paduak can be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood