The only hardwood grown in the USA with a natural Class A fire rating.
Lightweight, dimensionally stable, and naturally resistant to rot and insects.
Unlike any other wood.
01
Strongest per pound
The highest strength-to-weight ratio of any tree. As light as balsa, yet strong enough to earn the name aluminum of lumber.
02
Naturally Class A
Fire rated without chemical treatment. One of only four woods in the world, and the only one grown in the USA.
03
Dimensionally stable
Does not warp, bow, or chip with humidity or temperature change. Maintains precise dimensions for cabinetry and millwork.
04
Rot and insect resistant
Naturally resists rot, decay, and insects, indoors or out.
Class A is now code.
California's Wildland Urban Interface code, effective January 2026, mandates Class A fire rated materials in Fire Hazard Severity Zones, where two million homes stand. Specifying Paulownia lumber saves $2,800 to $27,100 in fire hardening costs per project and keeps treatment chemicals out of the indoor environment.
- Flame spread index: 15
- Smoke developed: 170
- Classification: Class A
From guitar bodies to hotel lobbies.
We have active customers in every category below, and shipped our first full truckload of lumber in March 2026.
The many places it works.
01
Siding and overhangs
Class A fire rating and natural rot resistance for low-maintenance exteriors.
02
Architectural millwork
Trim, casework, cabinetry, and panels. Dimensionally stable, and stains to mimic any species.
03
Furniture
Strong enough to last, light enough to move, and takes paint and stain beautifully.
04
Tonewood
Light and resonant, with the tonal clarity instrument makers look for.
05
Marine and board sports
Naturally buoyant and water resistant for boards, boats, and decks.
06
Specialty manufacturing
Twice the heat insulation of pine and a metal-like strength-to-weight ratio for technical builds.
Know where your wood comes from.
Every board is traceable to a World Tree partner farm, grown on degraded, previously unforested land, all of it in the USA today. Over 120 million board feet are growing across those farms now. No old growth harvesting. Independent models verify the carbon our farms sequester.
The full specification.
Density, hardness, fire rating, moisture, and drying data, all in one sheet, available on request.
- Specific strength
- 5,279
- lb per ft³
- 15.80
- Janka lbf
- 303
- Kiln dry
- 2 wks
- R-value
- 2x
The aluminum of lumber
Density, MSU testing
Works easily by hand or machine
vs six months for oak
Thermal insulation vs pine
Grades and availability.
Paulownia is a viable substitute for western red cedar, redwood, swamp ash, and teak, species whose supply is nearly exhausted or restricted. Kiln drying and packaging run through Oaks Unlimited, delivered ready for installation.
- Grade 1: clear, knot free, top of the range
- Grade 2: light character, mixed use
- Grade 3: rustic character, value tier
“After working with wood for years, I was amazed I'd never heard of Paulownia. Lightweight, easy to sculpt, and stable: it doesn't warp or chip. Perfect for artwork, framing, and furniture.”
Resources, on request.
Click any resource to request it by email.
Technical data sheet
Density, hardness, fire, moisture.
Request →Grade specifications
Visual characteristics and defect limits.
Request →Project samples
Grade 1, 2, and 3 packs shipped on request.
Request →Fire documentation
Intertek ASTM E84 report, July 2025.
Request →Commercial pricing
Volume pricing and project quotes.
Request →