subject: Yellow Balau: Its Remarkable Properties [print this page] Decking supplies in Melbourne have a vast selection of high quality timbers. One of the quality timbers in Melbourne is the yellow balau which is proven to be 50 per cent stronger than oak. It is also known for its outstanding flexibility.
After the yellow balau tree is cut, the woods takes a long time to dry. Its strength increases when it is dry.
The main factor for its longevity is its strength. A certain specie of the yellow balau, the Shorea maxwelliana was found to have lasted for more than one decade. The untreated yellow balau wood was used in a graveyard. It is a quality wood because it has a high level of resistance from pests and weather. This wood is also resistant to any preservative treatments. Otherwise, it could last for, may be more than 20 years.
This is a wood found mostly in different regions of Asia like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, India, and Malaysia. This timber is commonly used for the construction of bridges, staircases, door and window frames, cabinets and heavy duty furniture, and some parts of automobiles.
Its appearance is yellow-brown that is why it is named yellow balau. During its growth stage, its first layer is yellow or grayish brown, while the outer layer is light yellow. The outer layer will turn silver or gray after a long time of exposure to air and water. When the heartwood is also exposed to the elements, its yellow or gray color turns dark brown.
Since the yellow balau is naturally strong, it is therefore very difficult to cut it unless it is freshly cut. But the smoothening and the flattening of this woods is relatively easy when done before the wood dries. Drilling holes on the wood should also be performed when it is freshly cut.
However, since the yellow balau dries slowly, it tends to have some cracks on its surface. The outer layer of the wood is also susceptible to fungus and other beetles. It also tends to acquire some molds. However, the heartwood is extremely resistant to pest invasion and other infections. Old yellow balau trees are not highly recommended for construction supplies because their heartwood are soft making them vulnerable to damages. This is why yellow balau trees that are a bit younger are best since their heartwood are undamaged.
In spite of that, the yellow balau retains its image to be one of the best timbers in Melbourne.
