Red Balau Decking
About Red Balau Wood
Red Balau Decking is a durable hardwood decking material, often compared to mahogany. Its rich reddish-brown color and extreme durability make it a superb decking material. Red Balau also boasts a very consistent color from board to board compared to other popular decking woods. It has a medium texture and is typically straight grained to interlocking.
Red Balau is highly resistant to shrinkage, checking, splintering, insect infestation, decay, and rot. A product of Malaysia and Indonesia, Red Balau is low maintenance, withstanding extreme weather conditions even when used in boat docks and heavy-duty flooring. Red Balau outlasts popular wood decking woods such as Pine, Douglas Fir, Redwood, and Cedar. As the wood naturally weathers, it takes on a light silver/gray patina, which means there is no need to apply stains or sealers annually for minimal maintenance.
We offer Red Balau wood that can be used for decking boards, joists, treads, risers, skirting, posts and hand rails. We also carry pre-grooved (PG) and tongue-and-groove (T&G) profiles, and offer custom millwork for special profiles or sizes. Red Balau deck facing is kiln-dried (KD). We also stock accessories such as fasteners, sealers, cleaners, and finishes.
Red Balau FAQ
What spans can I expect from Red Balau?
Due to the strength of Red Balau, you can expect the following spans:
1x (net 3/4″) – up to 16″ on center
5/4x (net 1″) – up to 24″ on center
Diagonal patterns may require shorter joist spacing
We recommend that you check with your local building code before deciding on joist spans.
What grades of Red Balau do you sell?
“Premium” all heart grade provides a truly outstanding appearance. Our decking boards come “three sides clear” (one clear face and two clear edges).
Can Red Balau be installed on existing SYP pressure treated framing?
Yes, although we recommend that a professional inspect the integrity of the existing framing to ensure it is stable, usable and passes your current city code requirements. We carry the necessary component parts to frame the undercarriage of Ipe decking.
Can Red Balau be painted?
It is our experience that due to the wood’s density, oily nature and alkalinity, Red Balau does not accept most paints. For more details on painting Ipe, please contact us to discuss.
How do I maintain that original dark, rich color?
Red Balau will weather to a silver patina if you leave it in its natural state. Depending upon your exterior conditions, it can noticeably turn within a few months and can be fully gray within a year. Should you wish to keep the wood rich and dark, apply an oil-based UV inhibitor finish specifically designed for hardwoods such as Ipe. There are numerous available brands, and we recommend Messmer’s UV Plus for Hardwood Decks.
Red Balau Decking Sizes
Standard: 7′ – 20′
Possible Odd Lengths: 9′, 11′, etc.
Possible Shorts: 2′ – 6′
Possible Longs: 21′, 22′
Please contact us to find out our current stock levels, sizes and lengths available as they vary at any given time. We also offer millwork services for special sizes or profiles.
Railing Profiles
ETT offers the following stock Red Balau railing profiles:
Sub-Rail
Use this profile for the top and bottom runners of your railing. Screw your 2×2’s or balusters in place between these boards.
Rail Cap - Curved Top
Use this profile for the top hand rail by fastening it from underneath through the sub-rail.
Rail Cap - Flat Top
Use this profile for the top hand rail by fastening it from underneath through the sub-rail.
Hand Rail
Use this profile for small handrail or stair cases.
Handrail Assembly
This cross-diagram and photo shows how to assemble the handrail parts.
Tongue & Groove Porch Flooring
Tongue-and-Groove Porch Flooring allows for interlocking of decking boards. This is offered in 1×4 and 5/4×4 Ipe Tongue-and-Groove (T&G) Porch Flooring for exterior covered porches. Red Balau T&G Porch Flooring typically runs in random odd and even lengths from 7′ to 20′.
1x4 T&G Profile
This Profile measures net 11/16" x 3".
5/4x T&G Profile
This profile measures net 15/16" x 3".
Siding
ETT offers standard shiplap siding profiles for exterior vertical spaces. Red Balau Shiplap Siding typically runs in random odd and even lengths from 7′ to 20′. Our standard profile measures net 9/16″ x 4-3/8″ face. Also known as “lap and gap”, we can custom-mill various profiles and sizes by request, please call for details and pricing.
Wholesale Red Balau Decking
Stock Information
4/4
5/4
Timbers, Rails, and Plugs
Wood Species Guide
Natural woods vary in performance characteristics from one another. This wood comparison chart helps you compare hardness, weight, fungal resistance, and more. Use the wood comparison guide to help you find the right wood for your project.
Locations
Locations are strategically placed throughout the United States to serve our customers. Products stocked at each location are different based on customer needs.