A Wood Species With History

Rekindling the Forgotten Beauty of Padauk

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Hørning’s production warehouse, where time seems to stand still, lies a forgotten relic of craftsmanship - a stack of raw timber, untouched since the late ’70s. It was our second foreman, Holger Rasmussen, who originally sourced the wood, back when materials were chosen with patience and foresight. Among these ageing planks sits Padauk - once regarded as one of the most exquisite hardwoods in the world of fine carpentry.

Padauk is unlike anything else. The moment it’s planed, it reveals a mesmerising, deep-red hue and releases an intoxicating aroma - rich, spicy, almost otherworldly. Unlike many other hardwoods, it offers both strength and a rare softness, making it a dream to work with. For craftsmen and joiners at Hørning, it was a material that not only looked extraordinary but also handled like no other.

Once a staple of luxury interiors, exclusive furniture, and even boat building, Padauk was a statement of refinement. It had the power to elevate a space, lending it a character few materials could rival. But today, it’s a ghost of its former glory. Alongside Tasmanian oak, Bubinga, Iroko, and American cherry, it has gradually become less known in Hørning’s Danish production - not because it lost its quality, but because the world moved on. Trends shifted, availability declined, and the industry evolved.

Now, decades later, our current foreman is breathing life into this forgotten treasure. A project is underway - small in scale but rich in significance - where these long-stored Padauk blocks will be transformed once again. Such projects are rare, but they are reminders of the past, of the evolving landscape of wooden flooring, and of our responsibility to use materials wisely.

Padauk is more than just a type of wood; it’s a story of tradition and a lesser-known wood species that may yet inspire the next generation of architects and designers.