Padauk wood is a beautiful and durable hardwood that is commonly used for furniture and decorative items, but it is not recommended for cutting boards. This is because padauk wood contains natural oils and tannins that can seep into food, giving it an unpleasant taste and potentially causing health problems.
Additionally, padauk can be quite hard and tough on knives, causing them to dull more quickly.
If you are looking for a wood to use for a cutting board, there are many other options that are better suited for this purpose. Some of the most popular and recommended woods for cutting boards include hard maple, cherry, walnut, and bamboo which we’ll discuss below.
Better Choice Woods For Cutting Boards
There are several types of wood that are suitable for cutting boards for food. These include:
- Hard Maple: Hard maple is a dense and durable hardwood that is the most popular choice for cutting boards. It is hard enough to resist knife marks and scratches, and its tight grain helps prevent bacteria from growing in the board.
- Cherry: Cherry is a beautiful hardwood that is also a good choice for cutting boards. It is not as hard as hard maple, but it is still durable and has a warm, reddish-brown color that develops a rich patina over time.
- Walnut: Walnut is a dark, rich hardwood that is also a good choice for cutting boards. It is slightly softer than hard maple but still hard enough to resist knife marks. It also has a natural resistance to bacteria.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a grass that is not technically a hardwood, but it is still a good choice for cutting boards. It is durable, easy to clean, and has natural antibacterial properties. Plus, it is an eco-friendly option since bamboo grows quickly and is renewable.
- Acacia: Acacia is a wood used not only for cutting boards but for other serving boards such as charcuterie. I own a beautiful Acacia charcuterie board for serving cheese, bread, meats and other foods and it’s an excellent choice. (I have a pic of this board in the linked post.). It has beautiful wood grain and is very durable.
These woods are not only durable and resistant to knife marks, but they are also non-toxic and do not have a strong taste or odor that can affect the flavor of your food.
Check out my detailed article on the subject on wood cutting boards called Wooden Cutting Boards: Woods To Use And Avoid.
Padauk Wood Characteristics And Traits
Here’s a detailed table that discusses Padauk wood’s characteristics and traits:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pterocarpus spp. (Various species) |
| Common Names | Padauk, African Padauk, Burmese Rosewood, Vermillion |
| Family | Fabaceae (Legume family) |
| Native Range | Various species found in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia |
| Appearance | – Heartwood color: Vibrant orange-red to deep burgundy. Sapwood is pale pink. – Fine, even texture with a straight or interlocked grain pattern. |
| Durability | Highly durable, with excellent resistance to decay and insects. |
| Density | Padauk is dense, making it heavy and sturdy. |
| Workability | – Machines and turns well, making it ideal for carving and turning. – Can be challenging to glue due to its density. – Finishes beautifully and takes a high polish. |
| Common Uses | – Fine furniture, cabinets, and interior woodwork. – Musical instruments, particularly for components like backs and sides of acoustic guitars. – Decorative veneers. – Boatbuilding and marine applications due to its durability. – Flooring, joinery, and turning projects. |
| Sustainability | Some species are listed as vulnerable, and conservation measures may be necessary. Check for sustainability certifications when sourcing. |
| Unique Characteristics | – Stunning and distinctive red or reddish-brown color that deepens with age and exposure to light. – Exceptional durability and resistance to wear and decay. – Carves and turns beautifully, making it a favorite for intricate woodworking projects. |
| Concerns | – Some species are listed on the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II due to concerns about overharvesting. – Dust from Padauk wood can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals. Appropriate safety precautions are essential when working with this wood. |
Padauk wood is highly sought after for its striking color and exceptional durability. However, it’s important to consider sustainability concerns when sourcing Padauk and to take safety precautions when working with it due to its potential for irritation.
Padauk Isn’t Good For Cutting Boards But It Does Have Excellent Uses
Padauk wood has a range of commercial uses due to its exceptional characteristics, particularly its vibrant color and durability. Some of the commercial applications of padauk wood include:
- Fine Furniture: Padauk is highly prized for crafting fine furniture, especially in making tables, chairs, cabinets, and other decorative pieces. Its rich, reddish-brown color adds a touch of luxury and sophistication to furniture designs.
- Musical Instruments: Padauk is a popular choice for crafting musical instruments, particularly for the backs and sides of acoustic guitars. It’s valued for its acoustic properties and the striking appearance it lends to instruments.
- Decorative Veneers: The wood’s vibrant color and attractive grain patterns make it an excellent choice for decorative veneers used in cabinetry, interior paneling, and architectural detailing.
- Boatbuilding: Due to its natural resistance to water, Padauk is used in boatbuilding and marine applications. It’s a durable choice for components like frames, decking, and trim on boats.
- Flooring: Padauk is used for hardwood flooring. Its hardness and durability make it suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Turned Objects: Woodworkers often use Padauk for turned objects like bowls, pens, and decorative art pieces due to its excellent workability.
- Joinery: Padauk is employed in joinery work, including making doors, windows, and other architectural components. Its resistance to wear and its ability to take a fine finish make it ideal for these applications.
- Carvings: The wood’s workability makes it a preferred choice for intricate carvings, sculptures, and ornamental woodwork.
- Billiard Cues: Padauk is used in the crafting of billiard cues, particularly for its attractive appearance and the precision it offers in cue construction.
- Knife Handles: Due to its durability and rich color, Padauk is sometimes used for making knife handles.
- Decorative Art and Crafts: Padauk is a favorite among artisans for crafting decorative and artistic pieces, thanks to its remarkable color and grain patterns.
It’s important to note that the commercial use of Padauk wood may vary depending on the specific species and its availability in different regions. Additionally, as some Padauk species are listed on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
) Appendix II due to concerns about overharvesting, responsible sourcing and sustainable practices are essential in the trade of this wood.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a wood for a cutting board, it is important to avoid woods that contain natural oils or resins, as these can affect the flavor of your food. Additionally, it is important to maintain your cutting board properly by cleaning it regularly and oiling it periodically to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
You can view another article on the topic of cutting boards by clicking here as it goes into greater detail about wood choices.
