Bengkirai wood, also known by other names as yellow balau, is a hardwood species that is widely found in Southeast Asian regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Bengkirai wood is a wood that is famous for its quality, durability, and amazing aesthetic appearance, so this type of wood is indispensable in the world of construction and architecture that can be used for an unlimited variety of applications because the properties of this wood are very easy to form so many people make it an ideal choice for building materials.

An interesting type of bengkirai wood can be used for interior design elements, building exteriors, to outdoor furniture, the use of bengkirai wood in addition to adding beauty to this wood is able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, humidity, hot sun, and is very superior in withstanding load pressure. In order to know more and get to know bengkirai wood, let’s see the following review:

Characteristics of Bengkirai Wood

Durability

One of the factors of bengkirai wood that is widely sought after is that it can be seen in terms of its strong resistance to decay, termite attacks, insects, fungi, resistance to weather, and weathering, for example, such as the construction of bridges in humid areas with such conditions, the ability of this wood is very good durability even though in conditions of exposure to very hard natural elements, this wood is classified as very hard wood, These sturdy, high-density, and waterproof properties are able to last for many years without special protection, thus increasing their longevity, making the building structure durable, more durable, stable, and using bengkirai wood makes the investment worthwhile in the long run.

Attractive Aesthetic Appearance

Bengkirai wood has a warm and varied color from golden brown to dark brown with uniform fibers and textures, a smooth surface is a little rough, classy, unique, can give the impression with a very visually appealing finish, usually in interior and exterior designs that are made often bengkirai wood material can add amazing aesthetics to the pattern, Then it can provide an elegant, natural, luxurious touch, and can create an aesthetic and comfortable residential atmosphere.

Density and Density

Bengkirai wood with hardness and density ranges from a rating of around 1,800-2,200 lbs indicating that the wood has a very high density, then in terms of weight bengkirai wood is included in the category of quite heavy because when compared to other types of wood for example such as teak wood, bengkirai wood is heavier so that it shows high quality, solid, durable, and has a good density.

Distinctive Smell

Bengkirai wood contains natural oils that have a vibrant aroma with its own characteristics, the smell that comes out of this wood contributes to the durability of wood in humid spaces and in humid environments, more resistant to pests to annoying insects.

General Use of Bengkirai Wood

Decking and Flooring

Because of its hardness and ability in durability, it is often used to make decks and floors, especially outdoors such as on home terraces and swimming pools. Many residents of the house choose to make this decking using bengkirai wood because it is very appropriate for outdoor decoration, but in addition to being used for outdoors, bengkirai wood can be applied to the floor indoors, so it can give a very beautiful appearance.

Furniture

The many benefits of bengkirai wood, it is not surprising that in addition to being used for building construction, it is often used as a raw material in the manufacture of furniture such as chairs, tables, cabinets, and various other kinds of furniture, because of its attractive and good dimensional stability. The use of bengkirai wood can be carved, shaved, or cut into several parts easily according to the desired concept so as to create a charming appearance in a room, besides that many restaurant and café design concepts use this wood material because it is resistant to rain, sunlight and does not need to be replaced so that it can save costs.

Roof

Retaining applications use bengkirai wood with the properties of waterproof, resistant to sun exposure, and the strength-to-weight ratio of bengkirai is perfect for ceilings, roofs, and columns.

Wall Decoration

The stunning natural beauty is usually bengkirai wood is often made for the manufacture of various wall decorations, one of the advantages obtained is that bengkirai wood is easy to sculpt and carve which can be made to form motifs with beautiful and varied creations so that it can produce attractive and beautiful wall decorations to be installed in the living room, dining room, bedroom, and other rooms according to personal preferences so that it can improve the aesthetics of the room area aforementioned.

Fence and Cladding

Outdoor construction construction such as installing fences and cladding is very appropriate to be installed in the area around the house, durability and natural beauty of wood that is attractive and resistant to weather, so it is not surprising that many choose this type of bengkirai wood to be the best choice for outdoor areas.

Advantages of Bengkirai Wood

Easier Processing

The difference between bengkirai wood and other types of wood is in terms of wood processing which is easier to be used as a variety of exterior and interior products.

High Durability

The resistance of wood to various pests, decay, and more durable is therefore very suitable and ideal for coastal and tropical areas.

More Natural Residential Appearance

The colors and fibers produced from wood make the appearance of the residence look more attractive and natural with various design styles and residential concepts.

High Strength

It is not surprising that the strength advantage of bengkirai wood is very resistant to heavy loads, impacts, and pressures and is durable in certain environments.

Environmentally Friendly

This renewable bengkirai wood can make an environmentally friendly choice because it is managed sustainably, providing a natural alternative to maintain the balance of the ecosystem, renewable in synthetic materials, and supporting the local economy.

Low Maintenance

Maintaining the appearance of beauty and durability in bengkirai wood requires minimal maintenance and is not too costly.

Disadvantages of Bengkirai Wood

Relatively High Price

The price of bengkirai wood tends to have a relatively high price compared to other types of wood species, but when users consider the advantages offered from bengkirai wood, this can be used as an investment that is comparable to the final result.

Workability

The hardness and density of the wood make it difficult to cut the process into several parts because it requires high-quality tools to process it properly and must be done by people with special skills.

Crack

The dimensional stability of bengkirai wood is very good, but there are still shortcomings such as the susceptibility to cracks or breaks, but if cracks occur, good maintenance is needed.

Heavy

Heavy, dense and strong bengkirai wood makes handling and using transportation to transport the wood more challenging.

Sustainability Issues

The occurrence of excessive logging practices results in forest shrinkage, therefore it is important to carry out forest management in a good and responsible way so as not to cause deforestation, so when users want to buy wood, it is necessary to ensure from a certified supplier.

Color Change

Many factors cause prolonged discoloration of wood, for example such as exposure to UV rays, contamination, extreme temperatures and so on.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaned Regularly

It is necessary to clean to remove various dirt from dust and other residues in order to maintain the surface of the wood.

Finishing

Applying varnish made of special wood can protect the wood from weathering, pest attacks, UV rays and of course can maintain the color of the wood.

Regular Maintenance

Homeowners can carry out visual monitoring if there are signs of change and damage to the wood such as periodic wear, cracking, cracking, wood color changes, then immediately make repairs as necessary to prevent further wood damage.

Conclusion

Choosing bengkirai wood is a very good and appropriate choice to be used in various applications of construction, construction, construction, decoration, and furniture making. The characteristics obtained from bengkirai wood and its various benefits can improve the aesthetic appearance in building various development projects so that it can provide an attractive atmosphere and radiate beauty in every house, both exterior and interior, and the sustainability of bengkirai wood offers a very functional, aesthetic, and very extraordinary option.