Kelat
Scientific name: Syzygium myrtifolium
Overview
Kelat is a tropical hardwood group found throughout Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and surrounding regions. The name applies to multiple species within the Syzygium genus, many of which produce dense and durable wood used for general construction, flooring, cabinetry, and utility woodworking. Kelat woods are typically known for their reddish-brown coloration, moderate to high density, and dependable strength characteristics.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Kelat
- Scientific Name: Syzygium spp.
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 52 lbs/ft³ (835 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,850 lbf
- Color: Pinkish brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Kelat species commonly display pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood that darkens somewhat with age. Grain patterns range from straight to lightly interlocked, and the wood often develops a subtle natural luster when finished properly.
Key identification traits include:
- Pinkish to reddish-brown coloration
- Straight or lightly interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Dense and durable structure
Working Properties
Kelat is generally considered moderately difficult to machine because of its density, though it responds well to sharp tools. The wood sands smoothly and produces an attractive finished surface.
- Moderately difficult to machine
- Can produce tearout in interlocked areas
- Turns and sands well
- Accepts finishes effectively
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Kelat is used in a variety of structural and decorative woodworking applications.
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Tool handles
- General construction
Sustainability & Notes
Because Kelat includes multiple species across the Syzygium genus, availability and sustainability can vary significantly by region. Responsibly sourced material is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Merbau – A denser Southeast Asian hardwood often used in flooring and heavy construction.
Kempas – Another durable Asian hardwood valued for flooring and structural use.
Red Balau – A dense Southeast Asian hardwood widely used for heavy construction, decking, and exterior applications, though it is typically heavier and coarser-textured than Kelat.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide) – Explains how density and hardness affect durability and woodworking performance.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Covers machining techniques for difficult grain structures found in tropical hardwoods.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Explains why stable and durable hardwoods are commonly selected for furniture and cabinetry projects.
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
Kelat is valued more for its role as a dependable tropical hardwood than for dramatic figure or rarity. Dense, well-colored samples are useful for educational collections focused on Southeast Asian commercial hardwood species.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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.
Related Tools & Products:
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