Red Balau hardwood boardwalk through coastal preserve
Boardwalks & Promenades

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

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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 NameShorea spp.
Common NamesRed Balau, Selangan Batu
Janka Hardness2,700 lbf
Density58 lbs/ft³
Durability ClassClass 1-2
Fire RatingClass A (ASTM E84)
Rot ResistanceVery Good
Insect ResistanceVery Good
ADA Slip ResistanceMeets requirements when maintained
Expected Boardwalk Lifespan40+ years
Color (Fresh)Warm red-brown
Color (Weathered)Silver-gray patina
Chemical Treatment RequiredNo
Recommended Sizes5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4
OriginSoutheast 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

FeatureRed BalauPT PineCompositeConcreteFiberglass
Boardwalk Lifespan40+ yrs10-15 yrs15-20 yrs30+ yrs25-30 yrs
Lifecycle Cost (50 yr)LowestHighest (3-4 replacements)High (2-3)ModerateModerate
ADA Slip ResistanceExcellentPoor when wornModerateModerateGood
Splinter-FreeYesNo — worsensYesN/AYes
Barefoot SafetyExcellentPoorHot in sunRoughRough
Chemical LeachingNoneYes — CCA/ACQMicroplasticsAlkalineNone
Environmental PermittingEasiestComplexModerateComplexModerate
AestheticsPremium naturalBasicUniform plasticIndustrialIndustrial

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.

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Red 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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Red Balau Boardwalk FAQ

Yes. At 2,700 Janka — harder than Tigerwood and all domestic species — Red Balau provides genuine premium boardwalk performance. Splinter-free, ADA compliant, and chemical-free for 40+ years.

Red Balau comes from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia), providing geographic sourcing diversity compared to South American species. The Shorea genus has a long track record in tropical outdoor construction.

A Red Balau boardwalk lasts 40+ years — 3-4 times longer than pressure-treated pine. No chemical treatment is needed, meaning zero leaching into surrounding ecosystems.

Yes. Dense Red Balau provides a smooth, splinter-free surface with good slip resistance that meets ADA requirements when properly maintained. Maintain gaps no wider than 1/2" perpendicular to travel.

Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,700 Janka) and proven on major municipal boardwalks. Red Balau costs less and comes from a different sourcing region. For moderate-traffic paths and nature trails, Red Balau delivers excellent value.

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