Prized for its rich, crimson color and excellent durability, Padauk is an excellent hardwood for cabinetry and fine furniture. Reddish orange when freshly cut, it matures over time to a bright red with darker red and purple streaks. It is hard, heavy and extremely resistant to rot, and makes one of the most durable hardwood floors available. It is easily worked, takes an excellent finish and polishes beautifully. All boards are machined S4S to 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 3/4" thicknesses. Thin boards are well-suited for edging, veneering, marquetry, sides for decorative boxes, bending stock and bent laminations, while the thicker boards are ideal for furniture, paneling, cabinet doors, mouldings, drawer sides, fine jewelry boxes and whatever else your imagination can dream up!Distribution: Central and tropical West Africa, extending from south-western Nigeria to Zaire. Tree: Reaches heights of 100 to 130 feet (30 to 40 m), with trunk diameters of 24 to 48 inches (60 to 120 cm), but may reach 60 inches (150 cm). Trunks are often straight and cylindrical, and are clear of branches to about 70 feet (21 m).Sapwood Color: White when freshly cut, turning to brownish yellow or gray over time.Heartwood Color: Reddish orange, but changes to bright red, with dark streaks, or reddish/purplish-brown or black over time. Color variation between boards is slight.Grain: Generally straight to slightly interlocked. Texture: Fine to medium.Luster: Has a soft, natural sheen.Odor: Faintly aromatic when freshly cut.Stability: Extremely dimensionally stable. Durability: The heartwood is exceedingly durable. May last in excess of 25 years in contact with the soil without preservative treatment. Very resistant to termites.Weathering Properties: Excellent.Care should be taken to prevent splitting when nailing or screwing.