Bangkirai
Scientific name: Shorea laevis
Overview
Bangkirai is a dense and highly durable Southeast Asian hardwood commonly used in exterior and structural applications. It is part of the Shorea genus and is often marketed internationally as a premium decking timber.
Known for its strength and resistance to weathering, Bangkirai is widely used in outdoor construction where durability is critical.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Bangkirai
- Scientific Name: Shorea laevis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast Asia)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,880 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to medium brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Bangkirai is identified by its yellow-brown to medium brown heartwood and moderately coarse texture. The grain is typically straight, though slight interlocking may occur.
Sapwood is lighter and clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellow-brown heartwood
- Medium to coarse texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Dense, heavy feel
Working Properties
Bangkirai is durable but can be challenging to machine due to its density.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Good dimensional stability
- Strong fastener holding
- Pre-drilling recommended
- Excellent exterior durability
It performs especially well in outdoor environments.
Safety Note
Dust from Bangkirai may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and protective equipment are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Bangkirai is commonly used in:
- Exterior decking
- Outdoor structures
- Heavy timber framing
- Marine applications
- Bridges and boardwalks
Its durability makes it especially valued for high-traffic exterior surfaces.
Sustainability & Notes
Bangkirai is harvested across Southeast Asia, and availability may vary depending on regional regulation. Responsible sourcing and documentation are encouraged.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Balau – A closely related hardwood from the Shorea genus known for its strength and durability in heavy construction and decking applications.
Merbau – Another dense tropical hardwood commonly used for exterior decking and flooring, known for its rich brown color and excellent durability.
Kapur – A Southeast Asian hardwood used in structural and outdoor applications, generally lighter and somewhat easier to machine than Bangkirai.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Grain texture and color variation help distinguish dense Southeast Asian hardwoods used in decking and structural applications.
Working With Dense Exotic Hardwoods
Many tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and careful machining due to their density and interlocked grain.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors preserve hardwood samples to study grain patterns, color variation, and long-term aging characteristics.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Bangkirai is valued primarily for structural performance rather than decorative figure. Boards with uniform color and minimal defects are generally preferred.
Well-seasoned material is often selected for exterior projects due to improved stability.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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