Padauk Padauks are of African or Asian origin. Padauks are valued for their toughness, stability in use, and decorativeness, most having a reddish wood. Most Pterocarpus woods contain either water- or alcohol-soluble substances and can be used as dyes. The padauk found most often is African Padauk which, when freshly cut, is a very bright red. Its color makes it a favorite among woodworkers. Like rosewood, padauk is sometimes used to make xylophone and marimba keys, guitars, veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, tool handles, and other small specialty wood objects.