
Red Balau Boardwalk Lumber
A dense Southeast Asian hardwood for boardwalk construction — 2,700 Janka hardness with warm red-brown tones and proven performance in tropical outdoor structures.
Janka Hardness
2,700 lbf
Boardwalk Lifespan
40+ years
Fire Rating
Class A
ADA Slip Resistance
Compliant
Why Choose Red Balau for Boardwalks
Red Balau boardwalk lumber brings Southeast Asian hardwood density to public infrastructure projects. At 2,700 Janka — harder than Tigerwood and all domestic species — Red Balau provides genuine premium boardwalk performance from a sourcing region entirely outside South America. For parks departments and developers seeking geographic diversity in material sourcing, Red Balau delivers excellent boardwalk performance with a warm, uniform red-brown color.
Red Balau boardwalk decking provides a splinter-free, ADA-compliant surface with natural rot and insect resistance for 40+ years without chemical treatment. Zero chemicals leach into surrounding landscapes, wetlands, or waterways — a critical advantage for ecologically sensitive boardwalk locations. The warm red-brown color creates an inviting walking surface.
The species has a long track record in Southeast Asian outdoor construction including bridges, boardwalks, and marine structures. At 58 lbs/ft³, Red Balau is dense enough for heavy foot traffic while being somewhat easier to handle and install than ultra-dense species like Ipe or Massaranduba. For boardwalk projects where budget meets performance, Red Balau fills a unique niche.
Also used for residential decking → Red Balau Decking
Also used for dock decking → Red Balau Dock Decking
Recommended Red Balau Boardwalk Sizes
5/4x6
Standard boardwalk boards for public paths, nature trails, and promenades.
Shop 5/4x62x6
Commercial and municipal boardwalks with heavy traffic and vehicle loads.
Shop 2x61x6
Lighter-duty nature trail and park path boardwalks.
Shop 1x65/4x4
Narrow walkways, garden paths, and connecting paths.
Shop 5/4x4Popular Red Balau Boardwalk Products
Boardwalk Applications for Red Balau
Beach Boardwalks
Beachfront boardwalks, beach access paths, and coastal walks.
Nature Trails
Park and preserve nature trail boardwalks through wetlands and forests.
Promenades
Urban waterfront promenades, riverwalk paths, and downtown pedestrian walkways.
Resort Boardwalks
Hotel, resort, and golf course pathways and pool surrounds.
Park & Recreation
Public park paths, playground and rec area connections.
Wetland Crossings
Elevated boardwalks over marshes, swamps, and ecologically sensitive areas.
Red Balau Boardwalk Specifications
| Botanical Name | Shorea spp. |
| Common Names | Red Balau, Selangan Batu |
| Janka Hardness | 2,700 lbf |
| Density | 58 lbs/ft³ |
| Durability Class | Class 1-2 |
| Fire Rating | Class A (ASTM E84) |
| Rot Resistance | Very Good |
| Insect Resistance | Very Good |
| ADA Slip Resistance | Meets requirements when maintained |
| Expected Boardwalk Lifespan | 40+ years |
| Color (Fresh) | Warm red-brown |
| Color (Weathered) | Silver-gray patina |
| Chemical Treatment Required | No |
| Recommended Sizes | 5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4 |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia) |
Boardwalk Installation & Engineering Notes
Joist spacing: 16" OC for 5/4 boards. Board direction perpendicular to travel. Leave 3/16" gaps. 316 SS fasteners for coastal, 304 for inland. Pre-drill all holes. Seal cut ends. Red Balau's moderate density makes it easier to install than denser species. Acclimate 7-14 days.
Red Balau Boardwalk vs. The Alternatives
| Feature | Red Balau | PT Pine | Composite | Concrete | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Lifespan | 40+ yrs | 10-15 yrs | 15-20 yrs | 30+ yrs | 25-30 yrs |
| Lifecycle Cost (50 yr) | Lowest | Highest (3-4 replacements) | High (2-3) | Moderate | Moderate |
| ADA Slip Resistance | Excellent | Poor when worn | Moderate | Moderate | Good |
| Splinter-Free | Yes | No — worsens | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| Barefoot Safety | Excellent | Poor | Hot in sun | Rough | Rough |
| Chemical Leaching | None | Yes — CCA/ACQ | Microplastics | Alkaline | None |
| Environmental Permitting | Easiest | Complex | Moderate | Complex | Moderate |
| Aesthetics | Premium natural | Basic | Uniform plastic | Industrial | Industrial |
Red Balau Boardwalk vs Pressure-Treated Boardwalk
PT boardwalks last 10-15 years, splinter, and leach chemicals. Red Balau lasts 40+ years, is splinter-free and chemical-free. Over 30 years, Red Balau saves at least one full replacement cycle.
Red Balau Boardwalk vs Ipe Boardwalk
Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts longer (75+ vs 40+ years) with a proven public infrastructure track record. Red Balau costs less and comes from Southeast Asia — a good alternative for moderate-traffic paths.
Learn moreRed Balau Boardwalk vs Cumaru Boardwalk
Cumaru is harder (3,330 vs 2,700 Janka) with a longer lifespan (50+ vs 40+ years). Red Balau offers SE Asian sourcing diversity with warm red-brown color at a competitive price.
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