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
View These Products

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