Weight
Paulownia is a very light timber. At a dry density of around 260 kg/m3, paulownia is lighter than most common timbers. Density comparisons are Western Red Cedar (340), Pine (500), Teak (750).
The paulownia wood posses many exceptional properties that allows it to be used in many ways.
Strength
With a modulus of elasticity of 5.6 GPa and a modulus of rupture of 28 MPa, paulownia timber is not classified as a structural timber in its natural state. However, because of its light weight, paulownia has a very high strength to weight ratio, an important feature in the various uses of the timber.
Deformation & Warping
The shrinkage co-efficient of paulownia is very low compared to most timbers being 0.094 radially, 0.268 tangentially and 0.362 in volume, giving the dried timber a high level of dimensional stability.
Hardness
The Janka hardness rating for paulownia is low at 1.3 kN. Western Red Cedar is rated at 1.5 and Meranti 2.6. While modern treatments such as epoxy resin or PU varnishes can substantially harden up a finished surface, Paulownia is not suitable for flooring or areas where physical damage is likely.
Durability
The in-ground durability rating for Paulownia is 4 and the timber should not be used for that purpose. Paulownia used for other external uses out of ground has a similar durability to western red cedar and should be treated with at least two coats of a water repellent sealant.
Resistance to Decay
Paulownia is highly resistant to insect attack and rot. Research indicates the timber to be unattractive to termites. Rot showing on neglected timber tends to be surface deep only.
Thermal Insulation
With one of the lowest thermal conductivities for wood of just 0.07 Kcal/m/hr/Cdeg, paulownia has an excellent heat insulation capability being one of the best heat insulating timbers and far superior to brick, concrete or steel.
Fire Resistance
With an auto ignition temperature of around 400ºC (most hardwoods around 220ºC) Paulownia is reported to have a flame spreading rate considerably below most building codes.
Finishing
The sap of paulownia is not gum or resinous based, thus the application of finishing products with various solvents as carriers does not risk any interaction with the timber, contributing to the very good finishing properties of paulownia products. The timber readily takes stains, estapols and paints with excellent finished surfaces.
Workability
A major feature of Paulownia timber is its ease of working. All aspects of carpentry such as machining, nailing, screwing, gluing, sanding, sawing and handling are very user friendly with no splinters, cracking or splitting and excellent take-up of glues and finishes.