Kempas
Scientific name: Koompassia malaccensis
Overview
Kempas is a dense and highly durable tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia. It is widely harvested in Malaysia and Indonesia and is commonly used in heavy-duty flooring, decking, and structural applications.
Known for its reddish-orange coloration and exceptional hardness, Kempas is frequently selected for projects requiring strength and wear resistance. While not as dimensionally stable as teak, it is valued for its durability and ability to withstand heavy traffic.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Kempas
- Scientific Name: Koompassia malaccensis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast Asia – Malaysia, Indonesia & Thailand)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (855 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,710 lbf
- Color: Orange red to reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Kempas is identified by its bold orange-red to reddish-brown heartwood and relatively coarse texture. The grain may be straight or slightly interlocked, sometimes producing subtle figure variations.
Sapwood is lighter and clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Orange-red heartwood
- Medium to coarse texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Heavy weight and dense feel
Working Properties
Kempas is extremely hard and durable but can be challenging to machine.
- High density and wear resistance
- Can dull cutting tools quickly
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Accepts finishes well
Because of its hardness, sharp tooling is essential when machining or shaping.
Safety Note
Dust from Kempas may cause mild skin or respiratory irritation. Due to its density, cutting and sanding can generate fine dust. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Kempas is commonly used in:
- Flooring
- Decking
- Heavy construction
- Railway sleepers (historically)
- Industrial applications
Its strength and abrasion resistance make it especially suitable for high-traffic flooring installations.
Kempas is frequently chosen where durability is prioritized over decorative figure.
Sustainability & Notes
Kempas is widely available throughout Southeast Asia, though sustainability practices vary by region. Responsible sourcing and verification of legal harvest documentation are recommended.
As with many tropical hardwoods, availability and export regulations may fluctuate.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Keruing – A Southeast Asian hardwood commonly used in construction and marine applications, sharing similar strength and durability characteristics.
Balau – A dense tropical hardwood widely used for decking and outdoor construction due to its durability and resistance to decay.
Merbau – Another strong Southeast Asian hardwood frequently used in flooring and exterior applications, typically darker and more decorative than Kempas.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish dense tropical hardwoods used in flooring and structural applications.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and wear resistance of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and proper technique to achieve clean cuts and smooth finishes.
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
Kempas is valued more for strength and durability than for rare figure. Collectors and woodworkers often prefer boards with rich, even coloration and minimal defects.
Because of its density, well-seasoned material is especially desirable for stability in flooring applications.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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:
• 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator for protection against dust and airborne particles during sanding and woodworking
https://amzn.to/4wKyJoK
• Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for non-destructive moisture detection in wood, drywall, and masonry
https://amzn.to/4upDKSd
• Pro Grade 2-Inch Foam Brush Set for applying stains, oils, finishes, and sealers to woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4drOpWx
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