Kempas

Kempas (Koompassia malaccensis)

Common Name(s): Kempas

Scientific Name: Koompassia malaccensis

Distribution: Malaysia and Indonesia

Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 59 lbs/ft³ (945 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .72

Hardness: 1,750 lb_f (7,800 N)

Bending Strength: 18,410 lb_f/in² (126,970 kPa)*

*Estimated bending strength from data of 15% MC wood at: 17,680 lb_f/in² (121,930 kPa)

Elasticity: 2,750,000 lb_f/in² (18,970 MPa)*

*Estimated elasticity from data of 15% MC wood at: 2,690,000 lb_f/in² (18,550 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 6.0%, Tangential: 7.4%, Volumetric: 14.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.2

Color/Appearance: Kempas tends to be an orangish-brown, with an overall Mahogany-like appearance.

Grain/Pore: Kempas has a medium to coarse texture, and open pores. The grain is interlocked and sometimes wavy. The wood can also have streaks of brittle tissue that can be a source of mechanical weakness.

Durability: Heartwood is rated as moderately durable to durable regarding decay resistance. Kempas is susceptible to termite attacks.

Workability: Kempas is considered to be a difficult timber to work on account of both its density and its interlocked grain. Also, sections of the wood may contain stone-like streaks of brittle areas, which can have a blunting effect on cutting edges, and make machining difficult. Kempas is slightly acidic and can be corrosive to metals. The wood accepts stains and finishes well.

Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: There have been no adverse health effects associated with Kempas. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: Kempas should be relatively inexpensive for an imported tropical lumber, with prices comparing similarly to woods like Cumaru or Jatoba.

Comments: Kempas is not a common timber among woodworkers, and tends to be imported primarily for flooring. Other common uses of the wood within its domestic range include: heavy construction, railroad crossties, plywood, and pallets.