Indonesia Bengkirai / Yellow Balau has been used for patio decking for a long time. and some of the problems with its use are equally well known. It is not as durable as Kwila and it has a nasty habit of splintering. Both species also contain "pin-hole". which is a naturally occurring feature which does not degrade the timber at all. Balau, although having a durable heartwood, does have a perishable sapwood.
Proper application of patio decking is important and therefore the life expectancy for a hardwood deck will be determined by ensuring adequate air flows, cleaning of dirt and material off the surface and allowing the timber to "breathe". If the deck is kept in wet or damp conditions then it is more prone to decay than if it has good drying conditions. For this reason it is not recommended to lay decking with the boards tight together, as a gap allows for drainage and air flow. Boards must be pre-drilled before nailing to avoid splitting.
| Botanical names | : | |||
| Color | : | The heartwood is light brown or yellowish light brown gradually turning dark brown. The sapwood is lighter in color than the heartwood; it is 2 to 2 cm, usually 4 cm, thick. |
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| Texture | : | The wood texture varies from fine to coarse; in general it is slightly coarse, or coarse. |
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| Grain | : | The grain is straight or spiraled and interlocked. |
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| Touch | : | The wood surface has generally a smooth touch. The radial section with interlocked grain is partly smooth and partly rough. |
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| Gloss | : | The wood surface varies from slightly glossy to glossy. | ||
| Figures | : | The radial section with interlocked grain shows a striped figure. | ||
| USES | : | In view of its high strength and durability, balau wood is used for heavy construction especially in humid condition and in contact with the ground. The species is used among other things for bridges, railroad sleepers, electric poles, flooring, marine constructions, boat buildings (rudders, oars, masts, keels, and ribs), building construction, vehicular body work, cart poles, roller axles, barrels and other containers. |
What Is Yellow Balau Wood
This Garden Furniture is produced from high quality Yellow Balau . It is a very dense tightly grained wood that is heavily laden with rich tropical oils and resins. Balau's texture is very fine and even. It machines well to give an excellent finish to the product
Yellow Balau looks very much like teak in colour.
For centuries Balau has been used for shipbuilding, heavy-duty outdoor furniture, and heavy construction, coveted for it's excellent strength and weather resistant qualities.
Over the years, teak has been more popular than Balau because of its availability.
However, in recent years, teak has been over-harvested and the price has skyrocketed. As a result, teak is now plantation grown.
Balau is also a responsibly managed species and although it's mechanical properties are superior, Balau has not experienced the overpricing that teak has.
Kayu Brand uniquely beautiful. Similar to teak in color, Yellow-brown with a reddish tinge weathering ultimately to a deeper shade of a reddish dark brown.
Superior value when compared to similar clear grade species and composites. Yellow Balau is a great cost effective way to go compared with other hardwoods on the market!
Extremely durable! Very suitable for all forms of heavy construction, bridges, wharves, flooring, heavy-duty furniture and decking.
Resistant to abrasion, wear and dents.
Very resistant to decay, insects and fungal attack, even in tropical environments.
Naturally fire resistant.
Easy to maintain! If finishing we recommend penetrating oil finishes or leave natural to weather silver gray patina.
Sourced from countries that are leaders in ecological, sustained forestry
Yellow Balau is a hardwood that is often used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture. The appeal of Yellow Balau is its high density and durability. It is also fine grained, heavy and robust. The timber has a life span of about 20-30 years. In comparison to other species, Yellow Balau has only a small tendency of warping or twisting and it is therefore adaptable to changing weather conditions.
Maintenance Instructions
We advise our customers to maintain their Yellow Balau furniture regularly with our Hardwood Oil. This is because the timber will weather with continued sun and rain exposure. Keeping the furniture in a covered area will also help to preserve the timber. When exposed to the elements, if not treated, Balau will weather and will turn to a silver-grey patina over the years while maintaining its strength and durability. Surface cracks on Yellow Balau are rare but may occur over time, yet will not affect the strength of the furniture.
Kwila is considered the "Rolls Royce" of decking due to the durable and finishing characteristics of the species. Kwila doesn't splinter like Balau so is a favoured choice of many suppliers. Pinhole can occur, but like Balau it is a natural phenomena which does not detract from its durability. Kwila does have a natural dye which will "bleed" out of the timber when it is first laid as a deck. this is again a natural feature of this timber. As for Balau. it is not recommended to lay the decking tight, and pre-drilling is required.
The durability of a deck using Kwila is very much determined by entering adequate ventilation and keeping thc timber clear. Pot plants can be a problem. It is important the pot plants are not kept on deck.