Paulownia Wood in the Production of Wood-Based Boards Used in Construction and Interior Design: Properties, Applications, and Prospects

The growing demand for wood raw materials and the need to reduce pressure on forest resources are driving the search for alternative wood species for industrial applications. In this context, paulownia wood is a promising raw material for the production of wood-based materials due to its rapid growth, the possibility of harvesting it from plantations, and its favorable strength-to-weight ratio. Its use can contribute to the diversification of the wood industry’s raw material base. The aim of this article is to systematize the current state of knowledge regarding the potential use of paulownia wood in the production of boards intended for interior design and construction, including particleboards, oriented strand boards (OSBs), plywood, solid wood panels (SWPs), and sandwich panels. The article analyzed the availability and properties of paulownia as a raw material for the board industry, the advantages and limitations associated with its use in specific technologies, and the environmental aspects resulting from its utilization. It was found that paulownia wood can be a valuable raw material for the production of lightweight wood-based boards and sandwich panels. However, its effective use requires adjustments to production technology, particularly the pressing parameters, the gluing process, and the composition of the boards’ raw materials. Further research should focus on optimizing manufacturing processes and verifying the feasibility of implementing this raw material in industrial production.