Common Name(s): Balau
Scientific Name: Shorea spp
Distribution: Southeast Asia
Tree Size: 150-200 ft (45-60 m) tall, 3-6 ft (1-2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft3 (850 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .69, .85
Janka Hardness: 1,600 lbf (7,120 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 17,730 lbf/in2 (122.3 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,457,000 lbf/in2 (16.95 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 10,280 lbf/in2 (70.9 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 10.1%, Volumetric: 15.7%
Balau a Malaysian high density hardwood fine grain timber suited for outdoor furniture and decking. In light yellow or light brown color and wood grain if any is made more prominent with Tung oil as applied on below sample in one coating on the top surface only. This side shows evidence of oil penetration thus further waterproofing and a smooth finish when buffed on the dried oiled surface.
