Popular Solid Hardwood Species in Malaysia

February 2, 2024

 

 

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Malaysia's forests are renowned for their rich diversity and abundance of high-quality timber. The country's tropical climate provides the ideal conditions for a variety of popular hardwood species to thrive.

These woods are highly prized for their exceptional strength, durability, and beautiful natural grains, making them sought-after materials for a wide range of applications.

In Malaysia, hardwood is classified into 3 standard categories based on density: heavy, medium, and light. From luxurious indoor furnishings to robust outdoor structures, Malaysian timber is synonymous with quality and elegance.

Join us as we explore some of the most popular hardwood species in Malaysia and discover the beauty and versatility they offer.

1) Chengal

heavy-duty hardwood

Chengal solid hardwood is among the most expensive and premium timber varieties available in Malaysia. It is a protected species due to uncontrolled illegal activities for its high money value.

CHENGAL SOLID HARDWOOD

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With its unmatched versatility, Chengal is suitable for a wide range of applications, from indoor to outdoor use, and light to heavy construction.

Chengal is especially prized for its ability to thrive in challenging environments, including marine construction, where it is exposed to water and direct sunlight. It is a top choice for those seeking high-quality, long-lasting timber solutions in Malaysia.

  • Chengal Wood - Wooden Fencing
  • Chengal Wood - Column and Beam

2) Yellow Balau

heavy-duty hardwood

Yellow Balau is a top choice for heavy construction projects due to its exceptional strength and durability. This heavy hardwood is able to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions.

Balau Wood

YELLOW BALAU SOLID HARDWOOD

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What sets Yellow Balau apart is its affordability compared to Chengal hardwood, making it a popular and cost-effective option for those seeking durability without compromising on quality.

  • Balau Wood - Window Frame
  • Balau Wood - Outdoor Decking

3) Merbau

heavy-duty hardwood

Merbau wood is another popular hardwood species in Malaysia. It has been announced to be the national tree of Malaysia in year 2019. It is known for its unique and attractive growth ring figure, and rather high density among all the hardwoods.

MERBAU SOLID HARDWOOD

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Although it doesn't share the same level of fame as Chengal and Yellow Balau wood, it has a significant advantage - superior stability, which many other hardwoods do not possess.

This hardwood's natural oils also make it resistant to fungal and insect attacks, further enhancing its longevity.

  • MERBAU Flooring
  • Merbau Wood - Staircase

3) Nyatoh

light-duty hardwood

Nyatoh wood is usually the first choice for hardwood species, especially in interior applications. It strikes a balance, being lighter than heavy hardwoods but denser than softwoods.

NYATOH SOLID HARDWOOD

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However, even though Nyatoh is classified as a light-duty hardwood, it is still capable of withstanding daily use applications that are not directly exposed to the sun and rain, such as high-class decorative works and interior finishing like flooring, ceiling, wall paneling, mouldings, and partitioning.

With its nature light weight With its naturally lightweight solid timber characteristics, it works great for projects that require lighter weight but solid hardwoods.

Hardwood has been the preferred material for centuries, valued for its aesthetic appeal and impressive durability, making it a top choice for a wide range of applications. While this blog covers several popular hardwood species, there are still many others worth considering.

However, for any project requiring solid wood, the species mentioned here are excellent options. Malaysian hardwoods offer a diverse range of qualities, ensuring there's a perfect match for your project, whether it's for building, furniture, or decorative purposes. If you're unsure which hardwood is suitable for your needs, reach out for assistance.

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