Bengkirai planks, also known as Yellow Balau, is a highly durable hardwood. These planks are prized for their strength and distinct appearance, featuring a medium to coarse texture with a natural sheen and an interlocked grain that is typically straight but can also be wavy. The heartwood of Bengkirai planks varies from light yellow to brown, with paler sapwood. Thanks to their high density and natural resistance to decay, termites, and fungi, Bengkirai planks are widely used for outdoor decking, heavy construction, furniture, flooring and marine applications, making them a versatile choice for various projects. 

Found in Kalimantan (Borneo), Sumatra, and parts of Sulawesi. It grows in tropical rainforests. Use in flooring, decking, heavy construction, and outdoor applications.

Scientific Name
Shorea laevis

Density
Approximately 750-850 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content

Color
Yellowish-brown to light brown

Grain
Straight to slightly interlocked

Texture
Medium to coarse

Durability
Moderately durable; resistant to insects but may require treatment for outdoor use to enhance its resistance to decay

Workability
Can be challenging to work with due to its hardness; may require pre-drilling for nailing; takes stains and finishes well

Growth Time
Typically harvested between 20 to 25 years of growth

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