Batu
Scientific name: Shorea guiso
Overview
Batu, commonly referred to as Red Balau or sometimes grouped under Selangan Batu, is a dense and highly durable hardwood from the Shorea genus within the Asian hardwood group. It is widely used in exterior construction, marine environments, and heavy-duty applications due to its strength, hardness, and natural resistance to wear. Batu is especially valued for decking, boardwalks, and structural uses where long-term durability is critical.
Although often confused with or grouped alongside Apitong and other Shorea species, Batu is typically heavier, more durable, and better suited for outdoor exposure. Its combination of strength and weather resistance makes it one of the most reliable utility hardwoods from Southeast Asia.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Batu (Red Balau / Selangan Batu)
- Scientific Name: Shorea guiso
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55–70 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 1,800–2,200 lbf
- Color: Medium to dark reddish-brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Batu is typically recognized by its deep reddish-brown color and dense, heavy appearance. The grain is usually straight but can be interlocked, sometimes producing a subtle ribbon effect on quartersawn surfaces. Compared to other Shorea species like Meranti, Batu appears darker, heavier, and more uniform. The texture is medium to coarse, and the wood often feels dense and solid even in unfinished form.
Key identification traits include:
- Deep reddish-brown coloration
- Dense, heavy appearance
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Subtle ribbon figure when quartersawn
Working Properties
Batu is a very dense hardwood that can be difficult to machine but performs exceptionally well in demanding applications where strength and durability are required.
- Machines with difficulty due to high density
- High risk of tearout in interlocked grain
- Pre-drilling required for screws and fasteners
- Glues moderately well with proper preparation
- Finishes well but may require sealing
- Excellent wear resistance and durability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild irritation. Proper dust collection and protective equipment are recommended when machining.
Common Uses
Batu is primarily used in exterior and structural applications where durability and resistance to wear are essential.
- Exterior decking
- Boardwalks
- Marine construction
- Heavy timber construction
- Bridges
- Outdoor structures
- Industrial flooring
Sustainability & Notes
Batu is sourced from multiple Shorea species, often grouped under trade names such as Red Balau. Sustainability varies depending on sourcing practices and region. Some Shorea species face pressure from overharvesting, making responsible sourcing and certification important when available.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Apitong – Batu is generally denser and more suitable for exterior and weather-exposed applications, while Apitong is more commonly used in trailer decking and industrial flooring.
Selangan Batu – Often used interchangeably in trade, though Selangan Batu may refer to specific Shorea groupings within the broader Batu classification.
Keruing – Keruing is typically slightly less dense and more commonly used in general construction, while Batu is preferred for higher durability outdoor uses.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Provides insight into Batu’s high density and why it performs well in heavy-duty structural and outdoor applications.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Helps explain how Batu’s hardness contributes to its durability and resistance to wear over time.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Useful for recognizing Batu’s straight to interlocked grain and distinguishing it from other Shorea species like Apitong and Meranti.
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
Batu is not typically collected for decorative purposes but is highly valued as a structural and performance-based hardwood. For collectors focused on durability and real-world application, it represents an excellent example of a high-density tropical hardwood. Its consistent color and heavy feel make it a strong reference species within the Shorea group.
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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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• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
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