Timber iQ December 2018 - January 2019 // Issue: 41 | Page 37

FEATURES
sugar gum. They vary from species to species but they are
all relatively hard and durable but are not stable so will
move once laid. Seasoning of eucalyptus is notoriously
difficult so the timber is expected to dry in situ which
causes the movement and cell collapse. The trees often
grow in clusters near water which causes the trunks to
grow skew, resulting in tension in the boards when
harvested. This is a relatively cheap option but more suited
where a ‘rustic’ finish is desired. local market over the past eight to 10 years. Pricing is very
similar to the Amazon competitors, but sustainability is a
real problem with balau. It is listed on the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List which
means that the forest where it is being harvested is poorly
managed with concerns of extinction. An additional
problem with balau is that any number of similar shorea
species may be included in the bundle which may be less
durable than initially thought.
ZIMBABWEAN / RHODESIAN TEAK
(BAIKIAEA PLURIJUGA) GARAPA (APULEIA LEIOCARPA)
This species of teak is available from time to time.
Although it is unrelated to true teak, it is hard and durable
but prone to splits and surface cracking if not treated
regularly. If maintained well, the colour is variegated and
quite unique. Longer lengths are a premium as the tree is
not big and logs over 3m are a rarity.
TROPICAL HARDWOODS
YELLOW BALAU (SHOREA LAEVIS)
Native to Southeast Asia, yellow balau has been the
benchmark for better quality timber decking for a long
time. It is hard and durable but tends to crack, splinter and
warp over time more than other tropical hardwood
equivalents from South America that have come onto the
This Brazilian yellow coloured timber is often preferred by
contractors as it is the softest and easiest to work with of
the tropical hardwoods. With the light colour it can get
dirty early on but will turn a silver/grey colour if left
untreated.
MASSARANDUBA (MANILKARA BIDENTATA)
Massaranduba is a very dense and heavy timber from South
America. Pricing is very similar to the previous two, but is
probably more durable. Expect to break a few drill bits
while pre-drilling the screw holes. The rich red colour also
turns grey but retains a darker hue.
IPÉ (HANDROANTHUS / TABEBUIA)
The most expensive of the tropical timbers available on the
market but is undoubtedly the most long-lasting and stable