BUYING GUIDE

What is Balau Wood? A Complete Guide to Malaysia’s Outdoor Timber

By KC Chan, Lead Carpenter • June 2026 • ⏱ 10 MIN READ

Overview

Balau is one of Malaysia’s most widely used outdoor hardwood timbers, popular for garden furniture, decking, fencing and structural outdoor applications. If you have been quoted Balau for a project in Johor Bahru and want to understand its properties, strengths, limitations and how it compares to other timbers, this guide gives you the complete picture.

Details

What is Balau Wood?

Balau refers to several species within the Shorea genus of the family Dipterocarpaceae, native to the rainforests of Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. The most commonly used species in Malaysia are Red Balau (Shorea maxwelliana and related) and Yellow Balau (Shorea faguetiana and related). Both are classified as heavy to very heavy hardwoods with good to very good natural durability, suitable for outdoor use without preservative treatment in most applications.

Properties of Balau Wood

Balau has a density range of approximately 830–1,050 kg/m³ depending on species, making it comparable to or slightly less dense than Chengal. Its natural durability is classified as Class 1–2, meaning it is very durable to durable outdoors, which is sufficient for outdoor furniture and decking in Malaysia’s climate. The colour ranges from yellow-brown in Yellow Balau to a deeper reddish-brown in Red Balau, both of which weather to an attractive silver-grey if left untreated.

Balau for Outdoor Furniture and Decking

Balau’s combination of density, hardness and durability makes it an excellent material for outdoor dining tables, garden chairs, benches, pool decking, garden walkways and structural fencing. Anti-slip grooved Balau decking boards are particularly popular for pool decks and covered terraces across Malaysia. Its slightly more open grain than Chengal means it accepts exterior oil treatments very readily, making it easy to maintain in a rich, finished appearance.

Balau vs Chengal: The Practical Comparison

For most garden furniture and residential decking applications in Johor Bahru, Balau and Chengal are broadly comparable, with Chengal having a marginally higher consistency of durability rating and slightly higher average density. In practice, Balau is an outstanding outdoor timber that vastly outperforms all softwood, composite and aluminium alternatives. The choice often comes down to availability, project budget and the specific application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Balau a hardwood?

Yes. Balau is a heavy to very heavy tropical hardwood with a density comparable to Chengal and significantly higher than most imported furniture timbers.

Does Balau need to be treated for outdoor use?

No chemical treatment is required. Balau’s natural durability means it does not rot in outdoor conditions without preservative. Exterior oil is recommended to maintain the colour.

How does Balau weather without oil?

Balau weathers to a natural silver-grey colour, similar to Chengal and Teak. This is a cosmetic change only; the structural integrity is not affected.

Is Balau the same as Bangkirai?

Balau and Bangkirai are closely related species within the Shorea genus. Bangkirai is the Indonesian trade name for Shorea spp. used in Indonesia and Europe; Balau is the Malaysian trade name for comparable species. They share very similar properties.

About Oriental Allure Design

Oriental Allure Design builds outdoor furniture and decking from Balau hardwood in Johor Bahru — an excellent material for Malaysia’s outdoor conditions at very good value.

WhatsApp us at +60 16-717 9573 or visit 1, Jalan Penaga 1, Kawasan Perindustrian Kota Putri, 81750 Masai, Johor. Facebook: facebook.com/oadpro.

Location

Oriental Allure Design is at 1, Jalan Penaga 1, Kawasan Perindustrian Kota Putri, 81750 Masai, Johor Bahru. We serve Johor and deliver across Malaysia and to Singapore.

References

Oriental Allure Design — facebook.com/oadpro
MTIB — mtib.gov.my

Written by KC Chan, founder of Oriental Allure Design — custom hardwood & outdoor furniture craftsmen in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

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