balau wood vs teak

However, prior to extensive knowledge of sustainable forestry practices, the rainforests where Teak was sourced from have depleted. Balau, which is grown in the same Pacific-Asia region is rated by the Timber Council as stronger and more durable than Teak. The rich tropical oils that protected the wood from the elements and took years to grow, were reduced. There is a definite price point advantage with Yellow Balau and a long history of sustainable forestry practices but Teak does give a strong level of familiarity to many. Teak ranks just below acacia woods at 1,070. Teak may be found as the basis for patios, yacht flooring, or deck chairs, among other forms of wood objects that must withstand inclement weather. Teak should last a lifetime; it withstands the elements, and looks like a million bucks. Clean teak furniture before sealing. KAYU is a registered trademark of KAYU International, Inc, in the United states and KAYU ™ is a trademark of KAYU International, Inc. in other countries. Because this wood is naturally oily, unfinished balau must be oiled regularly. Commonly referred to as Plantation grown Teak, the problem of over harvesting the slow growth tree was solved. Possibly also because the veneer is stuck to the carcass of the door it is prohibited from expanding and contracting. Here’s the real beauty of Balau…it looks like Teak and costs a fraction of what Teak costs. Yellow Balau (also known as Bangkirai) and Teak are similar in many ways, both having a rich, golden brown color and high oil content making both hardwoods very durable and resistant to the elements, insects, warping and twisting. One, Shorea wood is more plentiful. Over the past ten years a new (new to the U.S.) tropical hardwood has appeared on the scene and is growing in popularity. Another huge benefit for the environmentally conscious, is the foundation of Indonesia’s SVLK wood legality and verification system and chain of custody program. Balau is a slow growth tree that offers the rich tropical oils that Teak used to possess. ( Log Out /  It grows in many of the rain forest of South East Asia (although it is plantation grown also). Teak is less plentiful and is mainly plantation grown these days in Indonesia. Not many manufacturers are using Balau yet because it’s harder to machine, wears out their saw blades faster, requires more time in the kiln drying process and it isn’t “Teak”, which is what their market has been for years. Golden Care Teak Cleaner works really well at cleaning any residue from the wood and brightening it before applying a sealer.. After cleaning, allow your furniture to dry completely, then a thin coat of sealer can be applied using a cloth, sponge, or a hand-held pressure sprayer. ( Log Out /  “A number of stores sell furniture made out of so-called teak-like woods: pine, iroko or nyatoh, which are less expensive but also don’t last as long. If your balau deck is exposed to direct sunlight for much of the day, the wood can become parched and cracked if you don't oil it at least annually. Premium Hardwood Decking Products wood@kayu.com Informacion en espanol (PDF) | Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Yellow Balau (also known as Bangkirai) and Teak are similar in many ways, both having a rich, golden brown color and high oil content making both hardwoods very durable and resistant to the elements, insects, warping and twisting. “A number of stores sell furniture made out of so-called teak-like woods: pine, iroko or nyatoh, which are less expensive but also don’t last as long. However, the global supply of teak is quickly being outstripped by demand. If you would like to call them for more information, they can be reached at 800-238-0604. In short, both Teak and Yellow Balau are beautiful and durable exotic hardwoods great for infinite outdoor and indoor applications. There have been recent, strong efforts to replant and harvest Teak faster and more responsibly in plantations. So what’s the drawback? Balau is a very oily and resinous wood so even though it has been kiln dried it still contains a fair amount of resins and oils. ( Log Out /  On the contrary, Yellow Balau, also known as Bangkirai has and always will be sourced sustainably in accordance with established agencies. Interlocked or curved grain patterns that can shear. Smart agrarians and businessmen, who had built a market for teak products, decided to “farm” Teak in a responsible program to replant and consider this valuable wood as a crop. Though plantation grown Teak is legal and much more sustainably friendly than previous, naturally grown Teak, some of the original mechanical properties are commonly lost. Balau wood is similar to teak in its maintenance requirements. Yellow Balau (Bangkirai) and Teak are exotic hardwoods similar in many ways. The popularity of Teak soared in the 1900’s and as a result the slow growth forests and rainforests have become depleted. Best of all, the SVLK is mandatory, so you can be assured your Yellow Balau will come from a legal, sustainable sources. Melbourne, Florida is home to one of the larger wholesalers in the U.S. for Balau casual furniture. So, it’s stronger, more durable, looks like Teak and costs less. Teak is generally considered to be the “exotic” import for high quality casual furniture, and for good reason. Balau, which is grown in the same Pacific-Asia region is rated by the Timber Council as stronger and more durable than Teak. This only served to skyrocket the price of Teak. Balau, which is grown inside the exact same Pacific-Asia region is rated by the Timber Council as stronger and a lot more durable than Teak. Second is the name recognition. Teak offers the warmth and beauty that you expect when making a buying decision for something that will be around for decades. This has made Teak prices soar to levels double, even triple of Yellow Balau. Melbourne, Florida is home to one of the larger wholesalers in the U.S. for Balau casual furniture. As this dries out over time it can cause cracking especially in such a thin veneer. The popularity of Teak soared in the 1900’s and as a result the slow growth forests and rainforests have become depleted. Over the past ten years a new (new to the U.S.) tropical hardwood has appeared on the scene and is growing in popularity. © 2020 KAYU ® International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Yet one alternative – Balau – actually holds its own,” says Susie Coelho, a lifestyle expert and host of Home and Garden Television’s Outer Spaces. Top Deck Builder Compares KAYU Batu to Ipe, Be Creative in Your Deck Design, Use KAYU Batu Shorts, KAYU®-Apitong (Keruing)™ Truck & Trailer Flooring. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. With the lesson that they learned with Teak, Balau is a responsibly managed specie of wood. Unfortunately, as the growth cycle sped up, some of the properties so highly revered were diminished. As a result, Plantation Teak is not the same product as some of the other varieties of Teak such as Clear Burmese Teak that was considered among the finest of all Teak. Change ). Not considered as exclusive as teak. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Using the lesson that they learned with Teak, Balau can be a responsibly managed specie of wood. Characteristics and Aesthetics Acacia Properties More varieties than teak, with more variations in grain pattern. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Unfortunately, as the growth cycle sped up, some of the properties so highly revered were diminished. For the sake of comparison, domestic red oak is harder than both of them, ranking at 1,290. Balau is really a slow growth tree that offers the wealthy tropical oils that Teak utilized to possess. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Teak versus Balau: A Patio Furniture Question. SVLK provides information on the entire supply chain, allowing the wood to be completely traceable and completely legal. They both boast a rich, golden brown color and have a high oil content making both hardwoods very durable and resistant to the elements, insects, twisting and warping. Although plantation teak is a more affordable, sustainable, accessible option than old-growth teak from endangered Southeast Asian forests, there are some …