Description

Use: used in carpentry for exteriors, stairs and planks for floors. In cabinet-making, used for furniture and frames, furnishings and marquetry and in general where its typical reddish colour can be highlighted.

Characteristics: the sapwood is whitish, while the heartwood can vary from a pale pink orange to a darker red, sometimes tending toward brown. Like many woods, it tends to darken over time. The heartwood is durable and resistant to attack by insects and fungi. In addition to the African Paduck, there are other varieties from Asia including the varieties from Burma and the Andaman Islands (India).

Drying: drying must be done slowly.

Surface: grain usually straight but sometimes intertwined; the texture is medium. Very often polished because of its colour and structure. UV coatings prevent the typical red colour from darkening too much over time too.

Gluing: all types of joints are effective. For joints with screws or nails, pre-drilling is recommended.