Kempas Hardwood Technical Species Information

Detailed scientific and mechanical properties for Kempas Hardwood Lumber

Kempas

  • Description: Kempas is generally imported from Asia and grows in Malaysia and Indonesia. The heartwood is a fairly consistent color which ranges from orange-red to reddish-brown with subtly contrasting yellow to pale white tones. The heartwood will darken with time. Kempas is somewhat similar to Cumaru from Brazil but does not have as much definition in the grain.
  • More Info: Kempas has been very popular as a less expensive alternative tropical hardwood. Available in prefinished solid only in two widths.
  • Other Names: Koompassia spp,Thongbueng, Gemaris, Hampas, Nyari, Kempas rawang, Impas (Sabah), Mengris (Sarawak),Tualangun
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Kempas Lumber Scientific Properties and Technical Specifications

  • Janka Hardness: 1,750 pounds
  • Strength (MOR): 17,700 psi
  • Stiffness (MOE): 2,690 1000 psi
  • Density (KG/m3): 880
  • Color: Orange-red to red-brown heartwood.
  • Photosensitivity: Moderate
  • Tangential Shrinkage: 7.4%
  • Radial Shrinkage: 6.0%
  • Family: Leguminosae
  • Tree Characteristics: The Kempas tree can reach heights of 180 feet and diameters of up to 6 feet.
  • Geographic Area: Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea. Found in lowland forest in swampy areas.
  • Texture: Coarse
  • Grain: Interlocked, sometimes wavy
  • Luster: Variable
  • Durability Rating: Durable except for inground
  • Drying Characteristics: Rated as medium difficult to dry.
  • Working Characteristics: Difficult to work, like most tropical hardwoods.
  • Applications: Flooring, decking, outdoor furniture. plywood, sleepers, bridges, wharfage

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