Kempas

Fast Facts

Color: is very light, usually white to light yellow. Kempas sapwood is more orange to red or reddish brown. The floor will darken to a more reddish color, once with exposure to UV light.

Grain: is generally rough and interlocked and/or spiraled.

Variations within Species and Grades: There is little variation within the species and grades.

Hardness/Janka: Kempas has a Janka Scale rating of 1,710.

Dimensional Stability: This particular species of wood is considered less stable than the traditional Northern Red Oak.

Sawing/Machining: is somewhat difficult because of hard deposits.

Sanding: Kempas is known to sand well.

Nailing: It may be difficult to nail because of how easily the wood may split.

Finishing: The coarse texture and acidic nature of the wood make finishing more difficult than some other species. It will need good filling to finish and polish well.

Availability: Limited availability.

A Brief Background on Kempas

Kempas is originally from Malaysia and Indonesia. Furthermore, it is naturally decay resistant and is acidic in nature. Generally it is used for hardwood flooring, cabinetry, furniture, and railroad ties.

Durability

It is strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but it should still be cared for. It is not a stable flooring choice, so those who choose to install it should expect movement.

Workability

Kempas is not an easy to work with because it is so hard and full of deposits. Tools should be regularly sharpened and sand paper should be changed constantly.

Where to Use

Kempas can be used in residential and commercial settings. In addition to that, the good news is that this type of flooring is durable enough to handle high traffic.

Care and Maintenance

For proper care and maintenance, you have avoid water whenever possible, and keep dust, dirt and other debris off the floor. Use rugs and mats in high traffic areas.

Environmental Issues

Knowing the fact that the wood is not harvested in the United States, there are some issues with the legality. Most of the dealers and manufacturers who get the wood through the right channels are reputable, but others do not take the proper measures.