Kempas tends to be an orangish-brown, with an overall mahogany-like appearance.

Kempas is considered to be a difficult timber to work on account of both its density and its interlocked grain. The wood accepts stains and finishes well.

Kempas is used for Flooring, heavy construction, railroad crossties, plywood, and pallets.

As per British Standards Kempas Hardwood is classified as Grade D60.