Quick Guide to Balau Timber: What’s It, the Benefits, and More
Aesthetic appeal and functionality are two vital factors to consider when you are building a new wooden decking or renovating an old one. That’s why more and more people are going for tropical, exotic types of timber. When it comes to wooden decking in Durban, however, one kind of wood has gained incredible traction: balau timber.
So-called kayatu batu or mahogany, balau timber is one of the most sought-after tropical wood for decking due to its undeniable beauty, sturdiness, and functionality. Let’s learn more about balau timber and explore why you may want to utilize its boards to transform the look and feel of your wooden decking.
What’s Balau Timber?
Again, balau timber is derived from bayatu kalau also known as red balau wood or mahogany. Native to Malaysia, Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia, balau is a tropical hardwood that is highly regulated because of its endangered status. Besides being the number #1 timber option for many decking in Durban, balau timber is favoured because of its extreme durability and unique aesthetics.
When it comes to its dazzling grain and colour, balau timber offer a reddish-brown hue that’s sizzle up your decking and outdoor space. Low quality balau timber is often yellowish. Furthermore, the decking boards turn into silverfish-grey when affected by weather conditions.
Benefits of Using Balau Timber for your Decking Project in Durban
Cheaper than Other Hardwoods
If you are looking to build your wooden decking using a hardwood timber, you are probably looking at IPE, teak or balau. The good thing about balau timber is that it’s more durable and more beautiful than teak, but still cheaper.
High Quality and Durability
When compared to other wood in the calibre, balau timber is no match when it comes to its tried-and-tested durability and sturdiness. It’ll outlast most of other materials in your home. That is why it comes as no surprise that balau timber is used in high-impact and moisture-ladened areas like bridges, boat docks, and watercraft ramps.
Unsurpassed Elegance
It’s no big secret that balau boast of beautiful grain and texture that will simply knock your socks off. It’s fine to slightly coarse when worked on, and the finish is always fantastic.
Other benefits include:
- It’s effortlessly easy to maintain. It’s practically maintenance-free.
- Balau timber is highly resistant to splintering and wood shrinkage
- It withstands extreme weather elements
- It doesn’t rot and is incredibly resistant to molds, decay, and pest infestation
- Can brave through fire