Red Balau
Scientific name: Shorea balangeran
Overview
Red Balau is a dense and durable tropical hardwood trade group native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia. Compared to Meranti and Lauan woods, Red Balau is significantly heavier, harder, and more decay resistant, making it well suited for demanding exterior and structural applications. The wood is commonly used for decking, heavy construction, outdoor furniture, marine applications, and industrial flooring due to its strength and durability.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Red Balau
- Scientific Name: Shorea balangeran
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 4–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft³ (850 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,760 lbf
- Color: Medium red brown to dark reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked to straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Red Balau is recognized by its dense structure, dark reddish coloration, and durable nature. The wood frequently displays ribbon stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces due to interlocked grain and often develops a rich weathered appearance outdoors.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark reddish-brown coloration
- Heavy and dense structure
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Ribbon figure on quartersawn boards
Working Properties
Red Balau can be somewhat difficult to machine because of its density and interlocked grain. Carbide tooling is recommended for best results. Despite its hardness, the wood finishes well and performs strongly in exterior environments.
- Dense and moderately difficult to machine
- Can dull cutting tools quickly
- Good durability and wear resistance
- Excellent for exterior applications
- Can produce tearout in interlocked grain sections
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Red Balau is widely used in heavy-duty and exterior woodworking applications.
- Decking
- Outdoor furniture
- Marine construction
- Heavy timber construction
- Industrial flooring
- Exterior millwork
- Bridges
- Structural applications
Sustainability & Notes
Red Balau includes multiple Shorea species harvested throughout Southeast Asia. Due to high commercial demand and tropical forest pressures, sustainable forestry practices and responsible sourcing are increasingly important.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Yellow Balau – Typically lighter in coloration while maintaining similar density and durability characteristics.
Dark Red Meranti – Less dense and generally easier to machine than Red Balau.
Bangkirai – Another dense Southeast Asian tropical hardwood commonly used for decking and exterior applications.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Covers tooling and machining considerations for heavy exotic hardwood species.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use – Discusses hardwoods commonly selected for exterior durability and weather resistance.
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions – Explains adhesive considerations for dense tropical hardwoods.
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
Red Balau is appreciated primarily for its density and structural performance rather than decorative rarity. Samples are commonly included in collections focused on tropical construction hardwoods and high-density Southeast Asian species.
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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.
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