Kempas Natural

What Is Kempas?

Kempas (botanical name Koompassia malaccensis, sometimes used generically for the genus) is a dense, exotic hardwood species native to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.). 
It features a heartwood that ranges from pinkish when freshly cut to a deeper orange-brown or reddish-brown as it ages/exposes to light.

Why Choose Kempas for Solid Timber Flooring?

1. Exceptional durability and hardness.
Kempas is significantly harder than many standard hardwoods — for example, one source rates its Janka hardness as around 1,710 (about 135% that of red oak).
This makes it an excellent choice for flooring in high-traffic areas, commercial spaces, or where durability is a key requirement.

2. Pre-finished convenience.
Prefinished Kempas boards arrive factory-coated — meaning no on-site sanding, staining, or heavy finishing is required. The surface coatings are typically multiple layers of polyurethane or equivalent, offering strong protection. 
Advantages include:

• Faster installation and move-in readiness

• Less mess on site (no dust from sanding or wet coatings)

• More consistent finish quality and factory controlled coatings.

• 3. A rich, warm aesthetic.
  The natural tones of Kempas — orange, cinnamon, reddish-brown — add warmth and character to interiors. Over time, the colour deepens slightly
  Its exotic character makes it a premium-looking choice.

4. Sustainable sourcing options.
Several suppliers highlight that Kempas is available from responsibly managed forests or sustainable sources.

Key Specifications to Highlight

Here are typical specs (vary by brand and market) for Kempas pre-finished solid flooring:

• Thickness: ~ 18 mm (or ¾″) typical for solid boards.

• Widths: Varying widths, e.g., 90-130 mm or more.

• Lengths: Boards often 1500–2200 mm (or similar) in length.

• Finish: Factory applied polyurethane or water-based coatings; e.g., 12 layers of PPG water-based polyurethane in some ranges.

• Joint profile: Often tongue & groove for solid timber.

• Warranty: Many suppliers offer structural warranties (e.g., 25 years) and finish/coating warranties (e.g., 5 years) for residential use.

Benefits for Your Customers

• Ready to install and live-in: Because the surface is already finished, less disruption, faster move-in.

• Long-term value: With a solid hardwood species like Kempas, boards can be sanded and refinished multiple times (depending on thickness and usage) — increasing lifespan.

• High wear resilience: Ideal for homes, commercial settings or areas with higher foot traffic.

• Rich, premium appearance: The exotic timber look can differentiate your interior, add warmth and character.

• Eco-friendly credentials: When sourced from sustainable forests, appeals to eco-conscious buyers.

Considerations & Best Practice Advice

• Moisture and climate control: Like all solid timber floors, Kempas will expand/contract with humidity and moisture changes. It is not suitable for areas with direct water exposure (e.g., bathrooms, laundries) unless specifically designed for that environment.

• Acclimatisation: Even pre-finished solid boards should be stored on site in the installation environment for a period (e.g., 24-48 hours) to acclimatise. Some claims that no acclimatisation is needed are overstated.

• Finish wear over time: Pre-finished floors have strong coatings, but surface wear can still occur; refinishing may be required eventually.

• Cost consideration: Exotic hardwoods like Kempas may cost more than standard domestic species; installation should factor in subfloor preparation, adhesives, underlay etc.

• Sunlight/colour change: Kempas will darken or change tone over time with exposure to light. It’s wise to use UV protection (curtains/blinds) to maintain uniform appearance.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Ensure subfloor is level, clean, dry, and suitable for solid timber installation (often glued or nailed — check supplier specs).

• Maintain indoor humidity in recommended range (often ~40-60%) to minimise movement.

• Use felt pads under furniture legs, avoid dragging heavy objects.

• Clean regularly with pH-neutral timber floor cleaner; avoid excess water and harsh chemicals.

• Rearrange rugs/furniture periodically so that the finish wears evenly and colour changes uniformly.

• When wear becomes visible, check if the board thickness allows for refinishing — and consider refinishing instead of replacing.

Technical & Resources