Paulownia
Paulownia tomentosa
Also known as: Princess Tree, Empress Tree, Foxglove Tree
Exotic / ImportedBeginner-Friendlylow
Janka Hardness
300 lbf
1.3 kN
Density
280 kg/m³
1.5 lbs/bf
Grain
Straight
Texture: Coarse
Figure
Plain, minimal figure
Drying
Easy
Movement: Low
Origin
Central and Western China
Paulowniaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Paulownia is the world's lightest commercial hardwood — so light that a full board barely feels like wood. It's not structural and dents if you look at it wrong, but for lightweight projects, drawer components, or anything where weight is the enemy, it's remarkable. Often overlooked by Western woodworkers, it's a staple in Japanese and Chinese furniture traditions.
Common Mistakes
- Using it where structural strength is needed — paulownia is decorative or ultralight, not load-bearing
- Expecting it to hold screws well — pre-drilling and using larger fasteners is essential in this soft wood
- Comparing it to balsa and dismissing it — paulownia is significantly stronger than balsa for its weight and holds carving detail far better
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Pale grayish-brown to creamy tan. Virtually no color variation — a neutral, almost featureless wood that stays out of the way visually.
Workability
Hand Tools
Excellent
Machine Tools
Excellent
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Moderate
Turning
Not typically used
Carving
Suitable
Extremely easy to work due to its low density. Cuts cleanly with sharp tools in any direction. Soft enough to dent easily under normal use — not suitable where impact or wear resistance is needed.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Widely available |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Low
CITES Status
None
Notes
No significant sensitization reported. No significant toxicity reported.
Common Uses
Lightweight furniture Drawer bottoms Musical instruments Model making Surfboard cores Cigar boxes
Sustainability: Fast-growing and renewable. Widely considered invasive outside its native range in Asia; North American and European woodworkers should source plantation-grown material rather than wild harvested.