Paulownia
Scientific name: Paulownia tomentosa
Overview
Paulownia is one of the lightest commercially available hardwoods, valued for its fast growth, dimensional stability, and ease of use. Native to East Asia and widely cultivated in China and Japan, it is commonly used in applications where weight reduction is important. Despite its low density, Paulownia offers good strength-to-weight performance and excellent resistance to warping.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Paulownia
- Scientific Name: Paulownia tomentosa
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 30–60 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 16–18 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 300 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to light tan
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Coarse
Identification Characteristics
Paulownia is easily recognized by its very light weight and pale, almost creamy coloration. The grain is typically straight with a coarse, open texture. Growth rings are visible but not pronounced, and the wood lacks strong figure or contrast. Compared to most hardwoods, it feels noticeably lighter in hand.
Key identification traits include:
- Very lightweight
- Pale yellow to tan color
- Straight grain
- Coarse, open texture
- Low natural luster
Working Properties
Paulownia is extremely easy to work with due to its low density and softness, making it a preferred choice for lightweight applications and quick machining.
- Extremely easy to machine
- Cuts and sands quickly with minimal resistance
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Gluing and fastening are easy
- Holds paint and finishes well
- Low density may limit durability in high-wear applications
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory system in sensitive individuals. Use proper dust collection and personal protective equipment when working with Paulownia.
Common Uses
Paulownia is widely used in applications where lightweight material and stability are important.
- Furniture (lightweight pieces)
- Cabinet components
- Drawer boxes
- Musical instruments
- Surfboards and cores
- Model building
- Interior paneling
Sustainability & Notes
Paulownia is considered highly sustainable due to its extremely fast growth rate and ability to regenerate after harvesting. It is widely plantation-grown, particularly in China, making it an environmentally favorable option compared to slower-growing hardwood species.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Japanese Cedar (Sugi) – Slightly heavier with finer texture and more structural use applications.
Ramin – Paulownia is significantly lighter and softer, making it better suited for ultra-lightweight applications.
Rubberwood – Much heavier and harder, commonly used in furniture but lacks Paulownia’s lightweight advantage.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Explains how Paulownia compares to both lightweight and dense hardwoods.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for its extremely low density and softness.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Paulownia from similar light-colored woods.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Paulownia is often overlooked by collectors due to its plain appearance, but it represents an important category of ultra-lightweight hardwoods. Its historical use in Asia, particularly in traditional furniture and instrument construction, gives it cultural significance despite its understated look. It is also valued for demonstrating the extreme low end of the wood density spectrum.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
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• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
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• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
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