From the contested rainforests of southeast asia comes teak s closest alternative.
Balau hardwood vs teak.
It should be moderately priced despite the fact that it is imported.
Yellow balau bangkirai and teak are exotic hardwoods similar in many ways.
Balau which is grown inside the exact same pacific asia region is rated by the timber council as stronger and a lot more durable than teak.
Balau is a slow growth tree that offers the rich tropical oils that teak used to possess.
Balau is a very well defined type of wood.
And with regular maintenance it can last much longer.
Both of the woods are considered an asian hardwood.
Over the past ten years a new new to the u s tropical hardwood has appeared on the scene and is growing in popularity.
Balau is widely harvested and widely available worldwide.
This particular tropical hardwood has a similar heft and hardness to teak as well as comparable density.
The majority of shorea species are listed as being critically endangered.
Due to their extremely high density both teak and yellow balau are popular choices for outdoor furniture park benches boat decks bridges decks cabinets doors and more.
Balau is really a slow growth tree that offers the wealthy tropical oils that teak utilized to possess.
They both boast a rich golden brown color and have a high oil content making both hardwoods very durable and resistant to the elements insects twisting and warping.
They both have a high density ratio.
So what makes them different.
Balau which is grown in the same pacific asia region is rated by the timber council as stronger and more durable than teak.
When you are buying premium outdoor wood furniture teak furniture seems to dominate the market.
When considering eucalyptus outdoor furniture you should know that it is an excellent hardwood and can last up to 25 years exposed to the elements if left untreated.
Kayu yellow balau bangkirai hardwood decking.
It has a tight grain and is suitable for detailed carving.
It s lighter in color when compared to the regular heartwood and it s quite well defined.
Similar to teak or ipe wood shorea is a tropical hardwood that is used for many of the same purposes as teak including garden furniture like teak and other hardwoods shorea is resistant to damage from insects fungus and moisture decay.
Using the lesson that they learned with teak balau can be a responsibly managed specie of wood.
Balau is not listed in the cites appendices but many species in the shorea genus are on the iucn red list.
But shorea balau species has been making inroads into the market.
It usually weathers to a shade of reddish dark brown at times.
Teak is generally a better known exotic hardwood specie popular since the early part of the 20th century.
