Balau

Shorea spp.

Balau

Very dense and strong wood, ideal for outdoor use: decking, marine structures and heavy construction. Thanks to its high resistance to rot and abrasion, balau is often used for garden furniture, bridges and docks.

Balau (Shorea spp.) is among the densest and most dimensionally stable of Southeast Asian hardwoods, making it a favoured specification for heavy outdoor construction and marine applications. Its very high density — typically 830–1,000 kg/m³ — delivers exceptional abrasion resistance and structural strength that performs reliably in decking exposed to high foot traffic, tide and weather. The wood's EN 350 Class 2 durability rating reflects its natural resistance to fungal and insect attack, supported by a tightly interlocked grain structure that resists splitting and surface wear. Balau is widely used for harbour docks, pedestrian bridges, garden decks and industrial flooring where a cost-effective, high-performance tropical hardwood is required.