BUYING GUIDE

Chengal vs Balau: Which is Better for Outdoor Furniture in Malaysia?

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

Overview

Chengal and Balau are the two most frequently recommended timber species for outdoor furniture and structural timber in Malaysia, and the question of which is better comes up in almost every project discussion. This guide gives you an honest, detailed comparison so you can make an informed choice for your specific project in Johor Bahru.

Details

Density and Hardness

Chengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii) has a density of approximately 900–1,050 kg/m³. Balau (Shorea spp.) has a density of approximately 830–1,050 kg/m³ depending on species. Both are classified as very heavy hardwoods, but Chengal is on average slightly denser and harder. In practice, both species produce outdoor furniture that feels substantial and resists surface denting well under normal use.

Natural Durability

Chengal is uniformly classified as Class 1 (extremely durable) across all specimens. Balau is classified as Class 1–2 depending on species and growing conditions — consistently very durable, with some specimens reaching Class 1. For most outdoor furniture applications in Johor Bahru, both classes are more than adequate, and both species will outlast aluminium, rattan, softwood and composite alternatives by decades.

Appearance

Chengal tends toward a warmer golden-brown when freshly finished, with a moderately fine, slightly interlocked grain. Balau ranges from yellow-brown (Yellow Balau) to reddish-brown (Red Balau). Both weather to silver-grey if left untreated. The choice between them on appearance grounds is mostly subjective and depends on personal preference for colour tone.

Price

Chengal typically commands a higher price than Balau in the Malaysian market, reflecting its higher and more consistent durability rating and its status as a premium species. For most residential outdoor furniture and garden decking projects, Balau represents excellent value and delivers performance that is functionally similar to Chengal. For structural applications in demanding conditions — in-ground posts, sea-adjacent structures — Chengal’s premium is more justified.

Workability

Both species are difficult to work with standard woodworking tools because of their density, and both require sharp, high-quality tooling. Chengal is slightly more challenging because of its higher density. Both produce excellent results in skilled hands.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Chengal for: the most demanding outdoor exposure (fully exposed to sun and rain year-round), in-ground applications (fence posts, pergola posts), structural timber work, and when the longest possible lifespan is the absolute priority. Choose Balau for: most garden furniture and residential decking in covered or partially sheltered positions, and for projects where budget is a consideration. For either application, you will be choosing one of the world’s best outdoor hardwood species, and the furniture will last for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chengal worth the premium over Balau?

For the most demanding outdoor applications — fully exposed outdoor furniture, in-ground structural posts, pool decking in full sun — yes. For most covered-patio or garden furniture applications, Balau performs excellently and the premium is harder to justify.

Can I mix Chengal and Balau in one project?

Yes. A common approach is to use Chengal for structural elements (posts, frames) and Balau for surface elements (table tops, decking boards) in the same project, balancing cost and durability where each is most needed.

Which is better for decking, Chengal or Balau?

Both are excellent decking choices. Chengal is preferred for high-footfall commercial applications and fully exposed positions. Balau is the most common residential decking choice in Malaysia because of its combination of performance and value.

Which ages better outdoors?

Both species weather similarly to silver-grey when left untreated. Chengal maintains its structural integrity marginally longer without maintenance, but the difference is not significant for typical residential outdoor furniture.

About Oriental Allure Design

Oriental Allure Design builds outdoor furniture and decking in both Chengal and Balau — we help you choose the right timber for your specific project.

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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