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Common Name(s): Balau Scientific Name: Shorea spp. Distribution: Southeast Asia Tree Size: 150-200 ft (45-60 m) tall, 3-6 ft (1-2 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 53 lbs/ft3 (845 kg/m3) Hardness: 1,560 lbf (6,940 N) Rupture Strength: 18,400 lbf/in2 (126,900 kPa) Elastic Strength: 2,560,000 lbf/in2 (17,660 MPa) Crushing Strength: 10,000 lbf/in2 (69.0 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 6.2%, Tangential: 11.4%, Volumetric: 17.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.8 |
Color/Appearance: Color can be highly variable depending upon the species: ranging from a pale straw color, to a darker reddish brown.
Grain/Pore: Has a coarse texture with medium to large pores. Grain is sometimes interlocked.
Durability: Highly variable among species; should be considered as non-durable in regard to decay resistance, and is also susceptible to insect attack.
Workability: Typically hard to work, due to its high density. Some species may have a slight blunting effect on tools due to small levels of silica present in the wood. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.
Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Balau in the Shorea genus has been reported to cause eye, throat, and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Price/Availability: Balau is widely harvested and widely available worldwide. It should be moderately priced despite the fact that it is imported.
Comments: Sometimes referred to as “Lauan,” wood in the Shorea genus is very commonly used in southeast Asia, and there is an abundance of variety between the difference species: each with different working properties, appearances, and mechanical strength values.
The five main groupings for Meranti (Lauan) are: Light Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, Yellow Meranti, and Balau. The strength and mechanical values listed at the top of this page represent the average of a handful of species within the corresponding group.
Also called Philippine Mahogany, Meranti bears no relation to what is considered to be “true” mahogany in the Swietenia and Khaya genera.
Some common uses for Balau include: plywood,veneer, general construction, flooring, as well as a number of other general utility purposes.
Scans/Pictures: There are currently no pictures of this woods species available for viewing. If you’d like to contribute wood samples to be scanned, (even small pieces of veneer can be sent), please use the contact form.
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