Kempas should be avoided entirely!


Kempas is a high-value reddish-colored hardwood logged from the dwindling rainforests of Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia.

Kempas is used in flooring and has recently become common as wheelbarrow handles.

Rainforest Relief first noticed kempas wheelbarrow handles in The Home Depot around 1996. As of 2006, The Home Depot still carries kempas wheelbarrow handles, contrary to their commitment to eliminate the sales of wood products originating from endangered forests.

Also as of 2006, The Home Depot also now carries flooring made from kempas, sold by Bruce Hardwood Flooring, a division of Armstrong Industries.