Kempas wood is a durable, decay-resistant, and relatively inexpensive hardwood native to Southeast Asia. It is widely used for flooring, heavy construction, railroad crossties, plywood, and pallets.
The color of Kempas wood can range from orange-red to orangish-brown. It has an interlocking or wavy grain pattern with a medium to coarse texture.
Kempas wood is a great species with many unique characteristics, but it also has some drawbacks that you should know about before using it.
Kempas Wood Properties
Kempas wood is known for its high density, hardness, and attractive reddish-orange color. Its combination of strength and durability makes it suitable for demanding applications such as flooring and heavy construction. However, its high density can also make it more difficult to cut, nail, and machine compared with softer woods.
Is Kempas Wood Good for Outdoor Use?
Kempas can be used for some outdoor applications because of its natural durability and resistance to decay. However, its performance can vary depending on moisture exposure and installation conditions. For outdoor projects, proper sealing, drainage, and regular maintenance are recommended to help protect the wood from moisture, insects, and weathering.
Advantages of Kempas Wood
- Durability: Kempas is moderately durable and resistant to decay and termite infestation, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Hardness: It is a hard wood, making it less prone to dents and scratches and suitable for flooring.
- Appearance: Kempas wood has an attractive orange-brown color. It is a popular choice for interior design and decorative projects. It looks similar to the expensive and rare mahogany wood.
- Versatility: Kempas is suitable for a wide range of applications, including flooring, furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and many other projects.
- No Odor: Kempas wood does not have a noticeable odor.
Disadvantages of Kempas Wood
- Cost: Kempas wood can be relatively expensive compared with other types of hardwood. Generally, its price ranges from $10 to $15 per square foot.
- Availability: Kempas wood is not widely available in countries outside Asia, making it difficult to find in some areas.
- Workability: Kempas wood is not easy to work with. Its high density and tight grain can be challenging for beginners.
- Sustainability: It is not listed in the CITES Appendices but is listed by the IUCN as conservation-dependent. Its population has decreased significantly over the last few decades.
- Susceptibility to Termite Attacks: Kempas wood can be susceptible to insect attacks. Therefore, it should be used with caution in applications that are in direct contact with soil.
FAQ
Is Kempas Wood Good for Flooring?
There are many reasons why Kempas wood can be a good choice for flooring. Kempas wood is moderately durable and stable and is harder than pine and cedar.
However, Kempas wood flooring needs proper finishing and maintenance to help protect it from insect attacks and decay. With proper maintenance, Kempas wood flooring can last for about 10 to 15 years.
How Hard Is Kempas Wood?
Kempas wood has a Janka hardness value of 1,750 lbf (7,800 N) and a dry weight of approximately 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³).
Conclusion
In summary, Kempas wood offers many benefits, including durability, strength, and an attractive color. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as cost, limited availability, workability, and environmental concerns.