Padauk wood is more durable and resistant to termites and insects than Bubinga wood. Both woods are used for making furniture and flooring. There are many reasons why Paduk and Bubinga wood are popular, such as both species have excellent appearance, durability, and stability.
In this blog post, I share the difference between Padauk and Bubinga wood, so you get an idea of which of the two woods is the right choice for your use.
What is Padauk Wood?
Padauk is a durable, stable, decay-resistant hardwood from the Pterocarpus genus, found in tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Padauk wood is popular because of its unique color and low cost. It is also resistant to decay and rot, making it suitable for outdoor use.
There are many Padauk species, and most are famous for quality lumber. Some popular species are African Padauk, Burma Padauk, and Andaman Padauk.
What is Bubinga Wood?
Bubinga is a very hard, durable, and strong hardwood from the Guibourtia genus of trees. It is native to tropical Africa. It is also known as Kevazingo, African rosewood, and Amazique.
Bubinga wood is popular because of its strength and beautiful appearance. After finishing, it gives excellent results.
Padauk vs Bubinga Wood
| # | Padauk Wood | Bubinga Wood |
| Scientific name | Pterocarpus | Guibourtia spp. |
| Tree Height | 100-150 feet (30 – 45 meters) tall | 130-150 feet (40-45 meters) tall |
| Janka Hardness | 1,970 lbf (8,760 N) (African Bubinga) | 2,410 lbf (10,720 N) |
| Wood Color | Pale pinkish orange | Darker reddish brown |
| Workability | Easy to work | Easy to work |
| Rot Resistant | Resistant to rot and insects | Not rot resistant |
Appearance
When freshly cut, Padauk wood is orange or red, but the wood becomes brown to dark brownish red when exposed to sunlight. Wood has straight and interlocking grain patterns with an open texture.
On the other hand, Bubingas range from pink to reddish-brown. Wood has a straight or slightly wavy grain pattern, with an interlocking pattern that gives the wood a distinctive character. Like many other hardwoods, Bubinga wood tends to darken over time.
Uses
Padauk is often used in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative woodwork, as well as for making musical instruments and carving. It is also considered a durable wood resistant to decay and rot, so it can be used for exterior applications.
Bubinga wood is often used in furniture, flooring, and decorative items, as well as in the construction of high-end musical instruments such as guitars and drums. Wood finishes nicely, so widely used for making attractive tools and knife handles.
Workability
Both wood species, Padauk and Bubinga are easy to work with hand and machine tools. However, due to the interlocking and irregular grain pattern, it can be difficult for a beginner.
When working with Bubinga wood, it dulls the cutting blade because of the presence of silica.
The Durability of Padauk and Bubinga Wood
It is difficult to say which wood is more durable because Padauk and Bubinga are both durable and stable. The lifespan of wood depends on usage and maintenance.
Padauk wood is highly durable for interior use, while Bubinga wood is durable for outdoor purposes. Require regular maintenance to increase the durability of the wood.
Rot-resistant
Padauk wood is naturally resistant to rot and insects, so it is suitable for moisture and outdoor purposes, while Bubinga wood is moderately resistant to rot and insect attacks.
Although Bubinga can be preserved by exterior sealing, it requires more care and maintenance than Padauk Wood.
Availability and Sustainability of Padauk and Bubinga Wood
Padauk is commonly found in Africa and is considered a sustainably managed species by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The Bubinga tree population has declined drastically over the past few decades.
Padauk wood is not listed on CITES Appendices or IUCN red list, while Bubinga wood is listed on CITES Appendices.
Cost Differences Between Padauk and Bubinga Wood
Generally, Padauk is less expensive than Bubinga. Padauk wood ranges from $5 to $15 per board foot, while Bubinga varies from $10 to $30.
The wood price depends on many things, such as availability, durability, and demand. However, the cost can vary based on the specific grade and location.
Which is Better for Furniture, Padauk or Bubinga?
Both Padauk and Bubinga Wood are great options for high-quality furniture. Because both have excellent appearance and workability and are easy to finish. But if you are planning for outdoor furniture, then Padauk wood can be a better option.
Which is Better for Flooring, Padauk or Bubinga?
Padauk and Bubinga Wood are some of the most popular woods for flooring. But Bubinga flooring is more popular because of many reasons.
Bubinga wood is rot-resistant and somewhat moisture-resistant, a characteristic essential for wooden flooring. The floor of the Bubinga is so hard that the floor is less likely to be scratches and dents.
Which wood is more dense? Padauk wood or Bubinga wood
Generally, the density of Bubinga Wood is higher than Padauk Wood. Since there are many species of padauk wood, each species has a different density and weight.
The table below gives the Janka hardness value of some popular woods to give you an idea of how hard Padauk and Bubinga are.
| Wood Species | Janka Hardness Value |
| Sapele | 1,410 lbf (6,280 N) |
| Honey Locust | 1,580 lbf (7,030 N) |
| Andaman Padauk | 1,630 lbf (7,250 N) |
| African Padauk | 1,970 lbf (8,760 N) |
| Burma Padauk | 2,150 lbf (9,550 N) |
| Bubinga | 2,410 lbf (10,720 N) |
| Brazilian rosewood | 2,790 lbf (12,410 N) |
Conclusion
Padauk and Bubinga are both popular hardwoods with distinctive characteristics that make them suitable for various woodworking projects. Bubinga is known for its deep red color, high density, and stability, while Padauk is known for its beautiful appearance and workability.
Both woods are durable and moderately resistant to decay and insect damage. Ultimately, the choice between Padauk and Bubinga comes down to personal preference, as both woods have their unique characteristics.