Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeThe tree may be up to 45m to 60m tall and 1m to 2m in diameter above the base.
The TimberAccording to species, durable to very durable. Balau is a yellowish-brown, brown, or reddish-brown timber with interlocked grain, and a moderately fine and even texture. It is classified in Malaysia as being very durable. Red balau is a purplish-red or dark red-brown timber, with an interlocked grain, and a coarse but even texture. It is classified in Malaysia as being less durable than balau, ie moderately durable. Red selangan batu (Sabah), and alan, or meraka alan (Saravvak and Brunei) are approximately equal in colour and characteristics to red balau.
DryingDifficult to dry, slow drying with a tendency to end split, warping is variable.
StrengthAll the species mentioned have hard, heavy and strong timbers with strength properties similar to those of greenheart.
Working QualitiesUsually is a hard to work timber because of its density.
Latin NameShorea spp, Shorea atrinervosa, Shorea elliptica, Shorea foxworthyi, Shorea glauca, Shorea laevis, Shorea maxwelliana, Shorea submontana, Shorea guiso, Shorea kunstleri, Shorea collina, Shorea ochrophloia
Also known asYellow balau, red balau
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityExtremely difficult, Moderately easy (Sapwood)
MoistureMedium
TextureMedium
OriginMalaysia
Related Case Studies
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
