In this article, we will look at the common construction grade timber that is available in Singapore market and do a comparison between the different timber types, namely Balau, Kapur, Keruing and Chengal. Lastly, we will look at Bakau Piles which is commonly used for soil reinforcement purpose.
Balau - Hardwood
Pricing: Moderate High Pricing
Properties:
Hard, heavy and very dense with high bending and crushing strengths. The wood is moderately difficult to work with machines as the interlocked grains and toughness has a blunting effect on tools. It is more difficult to perform nailing or screwing on Balau and gluing results are variable. Very durable.
Applications:
Balau is used for heavy construction, structural use, frames of boats, decking, flooring, and utility furniture. For outdoor applications, it is usually treated with CCA or wood preservative to prevent decay and insect attacks.
Kapur - Medium Hardwood
Pricing: Moderate Pricing
Properties:
Kapur is moderately hard and heavy. Works moderately well with both hand and machine tools, but is variable in respect of dulling of cutting edges, but on the whole Kapur is slightly better than the average run of Keruing. Cutters should be kept well sharpened to avoid trouble from raised grain and to obtain a smooth finish. Takes nails, screws, stains and polish satisfactorily.
Applications:
Kapur is suitable for general construction: posts, beams, joists, rafters, fender supports, telegraphic and power transmission posts and cross arms. It is used in door and window frames and sills, flooring and internal joinery.
Keruing - Medium Hardwood
Pricing: Low Pricing
Properties:
Keruing is moderately durable. Keruing timber is horny in cutting across the grain, and whereas straight grained material is capable of clean, slightly fibrous finish in planing and moulding, quarter-sawn, or interlocked-grained material picks up during these operations unless cutting angles are reduced to 20°. The wood stains satisfactorily, but due to the resin, varnishing and polishing require a lot of care. It takes nails and screws reasonably well, but its gluing properties are variable.
Applications:
Keruing timber is used for general construction purposes. Other common uses include protected framing and boards, internal joinery and mouldings, lining, paneling, and framework. Preservative-treated material is used for poles and piles.
Chengal – Hardwood
Pricing: High Pricing
Properties:
Hard and heavy with high bending and crushing strengths. Chengal works relatively well with machine and hand tools. Takes nails, screws, stains and polish satisfactorily. It is also highly resistant to rot, fungi and mildew.
Applications:
Chengal is used for heavy construction, heavy carpentry, industrial and heavy flooring, bridges and utility furniture. It is suitable to be used for structural applications in renewal of old shophouses.
Summary Comparison Table For The Common Construction Grade Timber
Bakau Piles - Hardwood
Dimensions:
Diameter ~ 50-70mm, 70mm-90mm
Length ~ 3m
Properties:
Hard and very heavy with a density of ~ 650-1100kg/m3 air dry. Trunk of a tree with rough bark skin and a light brown sapwood in a form of long and thin pole.
Applications:
Bakau piles are used mainly for ground reinforcement purpose. Other applications include piling and foundation, drainage, support for trees etc.
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