Product | Balau Decking |
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Scientific Name | Shorea spp. |
Common Names | Balau |
Origin | Found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines |
Appearance | Heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown, often with darker brown or black streaks; sapwood is usually pale yellow |
Hardness | 1,795 lbf (7,990 N) |
Density | 0.69 – 0.98 g/cm³ (43 – 61 lbs/ft³) |
Durability | Highly durable and resistant to rot, decay, and pests |
Uses | Outdoor furniture, decking, construction, and marine applications |
Sustainability | Some Balau species are listed as endangered, and sourcing from sustainable and legal sources is recommended |
Price | Moderately priced |
Product | Belian Decking |
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Scientific Name | Eusideroxylon zwageri |
Other Names | Belian, Borneo Ironwood, Ulin |
Origin | Native to Borneo, found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei |
Appearance | Heartwood ranges from reddish-brown to nearly black with darker streaks; sapwood is yellow to light brown |
Hardness | 4,680 lbf (20,810 N) |
Density | 1.03 – 1.19 g/cm³ (64 – 74 lbs/ft³) |
Durability | Extremely durable, with high resistance to decay, termites, and marine borers |
Uses | Heavy construction, marine construction, bridges and wharves, flooring, outdoor furniture, and decorative veneers |
Sustainability | Belian is listed as endangered and sourcing from sustainable and legal sources is highly recommended |
Price | High-priced due to its rarity and high demand |
Product | Cengal Decking |
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Scientific Name | Neobalanocarpus heimii |
Other Names | Cengal, Chengal, Chengal Batu |
Origin | Found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia |
Appearance | Heartwood ranges from golden to dark brown, often with darker streaks; sapwood is usually pale yellow |
Hardness | 2,770 lbf (12,320 N) |
Density | 0.88 – 1.00 g/cm³ (55 – 62 lbs/ft³) |
Durability | Highly durable and resistant to rot, decay, and pests |
Uses | Heavy construction, bridge and wharf building, marine construction, railway sleepers, and high-end outdoor furniture |
Sustainability | Cengal is listed as endangered and sourcing from sustainable and legal sources is highly recommended |
Price | High-priced due to its rarity and high demand |
Product | Merbau Decking |
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Scientific Name | Intsia bijuga |
Other Names | Kwila, Ipil, Vesi |
Origin | Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines |
Appearance | Deep reddish-brown with yellow flecks, darkens over time |
Hardness | Janka hardness rating of 1,925 lbf |
Density | 515-1040 kg/M3 |
Durability | Highly durable and resistant to decay, termites, and fungi |
Uses | Flooring, decking, furniture, boatbuilding, and other outdoor and indoor applications |
Sustainability | Classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and listed in CITES Appendix II; make sure to source Merbau from certified sustainable sources |
Maintenance | Regular cleaning and oiling is recommended to maintain its appearance and protect it from weathering and UV damage |
Price | Relatively expensive compared to other tropical hardwoods, due to its high demand and limited supply |