Decking, Fences & Trellis : Balau Timber

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Description

INTRODUCTION

This heavy hardwood known as Balau (Genus Shorea/Dipterocarpaceae)  can vary from yellow to brown. This wood darkens to deep brown on exposure.

Also known as Selangan batu (Brunnei); Phchok (Cambodia); Sal (India); Anggelam, Balau, Bangkirai and Dammar laut (Indonesia); Mai chik khok (Laos); Thitya (Myanmar); Gisok, Malayakal and Yakal (Philippines); and Aek, Ak, Balao, Takhian-samphon, Teng and Rang (Thailand).

USES

The timber is suitable for all forms of heavy construction, marine construction, ship and boat building, piling, beams, columns (heavy duty), bridges, railway sleepers, vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards), fender supports, door and window frames, staircase, posts, joists, rafters, flooring, decking and heavy duty furniture.

SHRINKAGE

Shrinkage is fairly low, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.1% and tangential shrinkage averaging 2.6%.

STRENGTH PROPERTIES

The timber falls into Strength Group A (Engku, 1988b) or SG 1 (MS 544:Part 2:2001).


Strength Properties of Balau

 

 

Species

 

Test Condition

 

Modulus of Elasticity(MPa)

 

Modulus of Rupture(MPa)

 

Compression parallel to grain (MPa)

 

Compression perpendicular to grain (MPa)

 

Shear strength(MPa)

S. glauca

Green

19,400

115

60.3

7.52

12.1

S. laevis

Green

18,400

121

68.8

9.52

12.9

Air dry

20,100

142

76.0

9.79

15.0

S. maxwelliana

Green

22,100

125

70.6

12.62

11.5

 

Sizes

  • Thicknesses of 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm
  • Widths of 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm
  • Lengths of 3-6ft & 8ft and up

Characteristics

Density

  • Heavy Hardwood
  • 850-1,155 kg/m3 air dry

Durability

  • Very durable
  • 15 years & above
  • Suitable for rain, sun and marine conditions

Speciality

  • Good for outdoor