DARK RED BALAU DECKING

Iron Woods Dark Red Balau Deck Dark Red Balau is valued for its rich dark red mahogany appearance with the benefits of superior durability and hardness. 100% Clear All Heart, Iron Woods® Dark Red Balau is graded to the same Highest Market Standard, Premium Select Architectural Grade that we apply to all Iron Woods products.

Be Aware. Genuine Dark Red Balau as introduced to the market by Iron Woods® should not to be confused with false Dark Red Balau (quarubarana) which is being substituted for Erisma Uncinatum due to its similar appearance and lower cost. In application, quarubarana is known to be lower in stability and more prone to checking than genuine Dark Red Balau. It is also important to note that genuine Dark Red Balau is sold under the name mahogany in some markets, as is Meranti. To make certain that you are receiving the beautiful genuine Dark Red Balau that Iron Woods® supplies, be sure to specify the Iron Woods® brand.

Strength & Durability

Iron Woods® Dark Red Balau Decking is naturally durable and contains no harmful chemicals. The strength of Dark Red Balau allows you to span 24″ with 5/4×6 decking and 16″ with the attractive 1×4 pattern. Dark Red Balau is harder and more scratch resistant when compared to similarly priced decking materials and can be installed using similar methods and tools. Unlike other types of hardwood decking, with Dark Red Balau you do not have to pre-drill for every screw. Ring Shank nails are an option as well, though ends should always be predrilled in any wood decking to reduce end splitting.

Suitable Applications

Dark Red Balau is a fine hardwood that is often used for applications such as ship building, door and window frames, millwork, moldings, boxes and crates, outdoor decking and fencing. Its warm, reddish-brown tones blend well with many types of railing systems, or you can choose from Dark Red Balau dimensional lumber to create your own design.

Availability

Dark Red Balau is available in a full range of sizes and profiles. Decking – 1×4, 1×6, 5/4×4 Tongue and Groove Porch Floor – 1×4, 5/4×4 Post and Hand Rail – 4×4, 2×2, 2×4, 2×6 Siding and Ceiling – 1×4, 1×6, 5/4×4, 5/4×6 Trim – Standard and custom profiles available upon request.

IRON WOODS® DARK RED BALAU DECKING

PDF Brochure

Residential Deck Installation & Maintenance

Dark Red Balau decking is a kiln-dried product and should be kept clean and dry, stacked off the ground, and loosely tarped to allow for air circulation. Seal all surfaces before installation.

Dark Red Balau 1×4 (net 3/4″) spans 16″ and is gapped a minimum of 3/16″. Dark Red Balau 5/4×6 (net 1″) spans 24″ and is gapped a minimum of 1/4″. Gaps between deck boards are necessary to allow for drainage, expansion, and ventilation. Butt joints should be tight and sealed with an outdoor wood sealer.

Allow for adequate clearance between the deck and the ground. Avoid applications with poor ventilation or on rooftop decks. Adequate ventilation of the deck is essential for long-term stability and to minimize cupping. Proper air ventilation allows air to flow in from outside the deck area, under the joists and up through the gaps between the deck boards.

We recommend high-quality stainless steel “self-drilling” screws. Stainless steel nails and coated screws may also be used. Using lower quality fasteners can cause black staining. Fasteners should penetrate 1-1/2″ into the framing. Drill pilot holes at the board ends and stay 3/4″ away from the edges and ends to avoid splitting.

We recommend sealing Dark Red Balau to assist the acclimation process to reduce surface checking. For best performance, seal all four sides and the ends of each board before installation. Use high-quality penetrating oil or water-based exterior sealers that contain mildewcides, fungicides, and UV inhibitors. Dark Red Balau also accepts paint extremely well. Ask your local dealer to recommend a product suitable for your climate.

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How does Iron Woods® Dark Red Balau compare to other lumber and decking products?

	Dark Red Balau	CCA-Treated Pine	Typical Composite Decking
Type	Hardwood	Softwood	Plastic Wood
Maintenance	Medium	High	Low
Decay Resistance	Medium	Varies	Varies
Termite Resistance	Low	Varies	Varies
Strength	Medium	Medium	Low
Movement in Service	Medium	High	High
Fire Rating Class	Medium	Varies	Low
Weight per cu. ft.	37 lbs.	35lbs.	60 – 64lbs.
Bending Strength (in psi)	12,687 psi	9,900 – 14,500	1,423 – 4,500
E-modulus	1,561,000	1,170,000 – 1,510,000	175,000 – 480,000
Shear Strength	1,138	1,370	561 to 1,010
Hardness	867	690	940 to 1,390

See how it compares to the rest of our line