Balau

Balau Hardwood: Unrivaled Durability for Demanding Applications

Timbersource offers premium Balau hardwood (Shorea spp.), renowned for its exceptional durability, strength, and natural resistance to decay and insect attack. This dense and heavy hardwood is a top choice for demanding outdoor applications, particularly decking, marine construction, and heavy-duty structural work. Therefore, if you require a timber that can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting performance, this is an outstanding choice.

Why Choose Balau from Timbersource?

When you choose this hardwood from Timbersource, you benefit from our commitment to quality, sustainability, and expert service:

• Sustainably Sourced: We source our Shorea spp. from responsibly managed forests that adhere to strict environmental and social standards. Consequently, we are committed to sustainable forestry practices.
• Premium Quality: We carefully select our logs to ensure consistent high density, minimal defects, and superior durability.
• Expertly Prepared: We carefully air-dry or kiln-dry our timber to optimize its stability and minimize movement after installation.
• Wide Range of Sizes: We offer it in various dimensions, including decking boards, posts, beams, and other structural components, to meet your specific project needs.
• Expert Advice: Furthermore, our knowledgeable team can provide technical advice on working with this hardwood, including recommendations for installation, finishing, and maintenance.

Characteristics and Properties

This Shorea species’ exceptional properties make it a standout choice for outdoor and heavy-duty applications:

• Color: The heartwood varies in color depending on the specific species, ranging from yellow-brown (Yellow) to reddish-brown (Red). In contrast, the sapwood is lighter and clearly differentiated.
• Grain: The grain is typically interlocked, producing a moderately fine to medium texture.
• Durability: This is one of the most durable hardwoods available, naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect attack, including termites. As a result, it excels in in-ground and marine applications without chemical treatment.
• Strength: It boasts exceptional strength and hardness, comparable to or exceeding that of many other popular hardwoods.
• Workability: Due to its density and hardness, working with it can be challenging. However, pre-drilling is essential for screws and nails, and sharp, carbide-tipped tools are recommended.

Common Uses

Its exceptional durability and strength make it ideal for a wide range of demanding applications, including:

• Decking: A popular and long-lasting choice for residential and commercial decking.
• Marine Construction: We use it for docks, piers, bridges, and other marine structures.
• Heavy Construction: Beams, posts, bridges, and other structural components.
• Outdoor Furniture: Highly resistant to weathering and wear.
• Flooring: Suitable for heavy-duty and high-traffic areas.
• Railway Sleepers

Working with This Hardwood

Because of its hardness, using sharp, carbide-tipped tools is crucial. Also, pre-drilling for all screws and nails is essential to prevent splitting. Furthermore, proper dust extraction is recommended during machining, as the sawdust can be an irritant.

Finishing This Hardwood

You can leave it to weather naturally to a silver-gray patina, or you can finish it with oils or stains to maintain its original color. If finishing, ensure the timber is thoroughly dry and clean before application.

Order Your Balau Today

Explore the unmatched durability and performance of Shorea spp. hardwood. Browse our selection of decking, posts, and other components online, or contact Timbersource today to discuss your project requirements. Our team is ready to help you select the perfect timber for your next project; ultimately, choose Timbersource for quality, sustainability, and expert service.