Yellow Balau Decking

Yellow balau decking

Yellow balau is a dense tropical hardwood from South East Asia, widely used for decking because of its hardness, durability and straight grain. Freshly cut boards are a golden to reddish brown, and weather to a soft silver grey if left untreated. It is one of the harder wearing options for busy domestic and commercial decks.

Why choose balau

• Naturally durable and hard, with a long service life when well fitted.
• Stable once dry, with a fine texture.
• A warm tone that suits both modern and traditional gardens.

Working with a dense hardwood

Balau is very dense, so always pre-drill and countersink, and use stainless steel screws. Two screws per joist, set in from the edge, are the standard fixing. The boards can be tough on blades, so use sharp carbide tools. New boards may release tannins, which can stain stone or paving beneath in wet weather, so protect nearby surfaces until the first few washes have passed.

Installation

Lay boards on joists at 400mm centres, with a gap of 5 to 8mm. Joists should be durable or treated, see decking substructure joists. Ensure the frame falls slightly away from the house and is well ventilated.

Finishing

Apply a decking oil from finishes and treatments to hold the golden colour, reapplying as it fades. Or leave it to silver naturally.

Ordering

Measure the deck, then add 10% for waste. Compare balau with other options in our decking boards range, and request a sample from free timber samples to check the colour. For help planning, phone 0161 504 0011 or use the quote form.