Balau Wood: A Versatile and Durable Hardwood

Balau wood is a type of hardwood that comes from the Shorea genus of trees, which are native to Southeast Asia. Balau wood is widely used for various purposes, such as plywood, flooring, decking, furniture, and heavy construction. Balau wood has many advantages, such as its affordability, sustainability, strength, and resistance to scratches and dents. However, Balau wood also has some drawbacks, such as its difficulty to work with, toxicity, low durability, and tendency to crack or warp. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Balau wood, as well as some tips on how to use and maintain it properly.

What is Balau Wood?

Balau wood is a collective term for several species of Shorea trees that grow in the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia1.?Balau trees can live up to 400 years and grow up to 50 meters tall. Balau wood is usually classified into two types: Red Balau and Yellow Balau, depending on its color and treatment.?Red Balau is darker and more reddish-brown, while Yellow Balau is lighter and more yellowish-brown.

Balau wood has a distinctive grain pattern and ranges from dark brown to light brown with darker stripes.?Balau wood has large open pores with interlocked grains, which give it a striped figure on the radial surface.?Balau wood has a coarse texture and a moderate to high natural luster.

Balau wood is extremely hard, dense, and strong.?Its average dried weight is 53 lbs/ft3 (850 kg/m3), which is comparable to oak or maple1.?Its Janka hardness value is 1,600 lb f (7,120 N), which is higher than teak or mahogany1.?Balau wood also has high mechanical properties, such as modulus of rupture, elastic modulus, and crushing strength.

Balau Wood Pros

Balau wood has many advantages that make it suitable for various applications. Some of the pros of Balau wood are:

• Affordable and Widely Available: Balau wood is a cheap and widely available hardwood.?It is a medium-growing wood, but the tree’s growth rate depends on the species of Balau.?Balau wood is not listed in the CITES Appendices, which means it is not endangered or threatened by trade1.?However, some species of Shorea are listed in the IUCN Red List as critically endangered due to overexploitation and habitat loss. Therefore, it is important to source Balau wood from certified and sustainable suppliers.
• Sustainable: Balau wood is a sustainable wood, as it can be harvested from natural forests or plantations. Balau wood is also biodegradable and recyclable, which reduces its environmental impact.?Balau wood can also help reduce carbon emissions, as it stores carbon in its biomass and prevents it from being released into the atmosphere.
• Dents and Scratch Proof: Balau wood is extremely hard and resistant to scratches and dents. This makes it ideal for flooring and decking, as it can withstand high traffic and wear and tear.?Balau wood can also resist abrasion and impact, which makes it suitable for heavy construction and furniture.
• Aesthetic: Balau wood has a beautiful and natural appearance, with a rich and warm color and a striking grain pattern. Balau wood can also be stained, painted, or varnished to enhance its look and protect it from weathering. Balau wood can also blend well with other materials, such as metal, glass, or stone, to create a modern and elegant design.

Balau Wood Cons

Balau wood also has some disadvantages that need to be considered before using it. Some of the cons of Balau wood are:

• Hard to Work With: Balau wood is not easy to work with, because it is hard and heavy. The interlocking and irregular grain can cause tearout and splintering when cutting or planing. Balau wood also contains silica, which can dull and damage cutting tools.?Balau wood also has a high moisture content, which can cause warping and cracking if not properly dried before use1.?Balau wood also requires pre-drilling and special fasteners when nailing or screwing, as it can split easily.
• Toxicity: Balau wood can cause allergic reactions and health problems when working with it. Balau wood can emit dust and vapors that can irritate the eyes, skin, throat, and respiratory system.?Balau wood can also cause dermatitis, asthma, and cancer in some cases. Therefore, it is advisable to wear protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and ventilation, when handling Balau wood.
• Low Durability: Balau wood is not very durable, especially when exposed to moisture and insects. Balau wood is prone to decay, rot, mold, and fungal attacks, which can reduce its strength and quality. Balau wood is also susceptible to termites, borers, and beetles, which can cause holes and tunnels in the wood.?Balau wood also has a low resistance to fire, as it can catch fire easily and burn quickly.
• Prone to Crack or Warp: Balau wood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause it to crack or warp over time. Balau wood can also shrink and swell significantly, which can cause gaps and distortions in the wood. Balau wood can also develop checks and splits, which can affect its appearance and stability.?Balau wood can also fade and discolor when exposed to sunlight, which can reduce its aesthetic value.

How to Use and Maintain Balau Wood Properly

Balau wood can be used for various purposes, such as plywood, flooring, decking, furniture, and heavy construction. However, Balau wood requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance. Some of the tips on how to use and maintain Balau wood properly are:

• Drying: Balau wood should be dried properly before use, to prevent warping and cracking. Balau wood can be dried either by air or by kiln, depending on the desired moisture content and quality.?Balau wood should be dried to a moisture content of 12% to 15% for indoor use, and 18% to 22% for outdoor use. Balau wood should also be acclimatized to the environment where it will be used, to avoid dimensional changes.
• Finishing: Balau wood should be finished properly to protect it from weathering and insects. Balau wood can be finished with oil, wax, stain, paint, or varnish, depending on the desired look and function. Balau wood should be sanded and cleaned before applying the finish, to ensure a smooth and even surface. Balau wood should also be re-finished periodically, to maintain its appearance and quality.
• Cleaning: Balau wood should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and dust. Balau wood can be cleaned with a soft cloth, a brush, or a vacuum cleaner, depending on the type and amount of dirt. Balau wood should also be wiped with a damp cloth to remove stains and spills, and then dried with a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage. Balau wood should not be cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the wood and the finish.
• Repairing: Balau wood should be repaired promptly if it develops any defects, such as cracks, splits, holes, or rot. Balau wood can be repaired with wood filler, glue, nails, screws, or patches, depending on the size and location of the defect. Balau wood should also be sanded and refinished after repairing, to restore its appearance and quality.

Conclusion

Balau wood is a versatile and durable hardwood that can be used for various purposes, such as plywood, flooring, decking, furniture, and heavy construction. Balau wood has many advantages, such as its affordability, sustainability, strength, and resistance to scratches and dents. However, Balau wood also has some drawbacks, such as its difficulty to work with, toxicity, low durability, and tendency to crack or warp. Therefore, Balau wood requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance. Balau wood can be a great choice for your project, as long as you are aware of its pros and cons, and how to use and maintain it properly.

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References

1: Balau | The Wood Database (Hardwood)?2: Balau Wood Pros and Cons - Timber Blogger?3: Balau Wood - What is Balau??| Versace Timbers?4: Balau | WoodSolutions

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