Red Balau dock decking on waterfront boat dock
Dock & Marine

Red Balau Dock Decking

A dense Southeast Asian hardwood for dock construction — 2,700 Janka hardness with warm red-brown tones and excellent freshwater marine performance at a competitive price.

Janka Hardness

2,700 lbf

Dock Lifespan

40+ years

Marine Borers

Good

Fire Rating

Class A

Why Choose Red Balau for Dock Decking

Red Balau dock decking brings Southeast Asian hardwood density to marine construction. At 2,700 Janka — harder than Tigerwood and all domestic species — Red Balau provides genuine premium dock performance from a sourcing region entirely outside South America. For dock builders seeking geographic diversity in their material supply chain or who appreciate Red Balau's warm, uniform red-brown color, this species delivers excellent freshwater dock performance.

Red Balau dock boards provide a splinter-free, barefoot-safe surface with natural rot and insect resistance for 40+ years without chemical treatment. Zero chemicals leach into your waterway — a critical advantage over pressure-treated lumber for lake and river environments. The warm red-brown color creates an inviting dock surface that complements waterfront properties beautifully.

At 58 lbs/ft³ density, Red Balau is dense enough for serious dock applications while being somewhat easier to work with than ultra-dense species like Ipe or Massaranduba. The species has a long track record in Southeast Asian marine construction, including bridges, boardwalks, and waterfront structures. For freshwater docks and low-salinity coastal environments, Red Balau delivers strong value at a competitive price point.

Also used for residential decking → Shop Red Balau Decking

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Dock Applications for Red Balau

Boat Docks

Private residential boat docks on lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways.

Marinas

Commercial marina finger piers, main docks, and fuel dock platforms.

Piers & Jetties

Public and private fishing piers, jetties, and waterfront walks.

Floating Docks

Floating dock platforms and gangways.

Kayak Launches

Kayak and canoe launch platforms and ramps.

Seawalls / Caps

Seawall cap boards and waterfront edging.

Red Balau Dock Decking 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
Marine Borer ResistanceGood — best for freshwater and low-salinity coastal
Saltwater SuitabilityGood — freshwater and low-salinity recommended
Expected Dock Lifespan40+ years
Color (Fresh)Warm red-brown
Color (Weathered)Silver-gray patina
Chemical Treatment RequiredNo
Recommended Dock Sizes5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4
OriginSoutheast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia)

Dock Installation Tips for Red Balau

Use 316 stainless steel fasteners for any marine environment. Joist spacing: 16" OC standard. Leave 3/16" gaps for drainage. Pre-drill all holes. Seal all cut ends. Acclimate 7-14 days before installation. Red Balau's moderate density makes it easier to work with than Ipe or Massaranduba while still providing excellent dock performance.

Red Balau Dock vs. The Alternatives

FeatureRed BalauPT PineCompositePVC/VinylAluminum
Dock Lifespan40+ yrs10-15 yrs15-20 yrs15-20 yrs30+ yrs
Marine Borer ResistanceNaturalChemical (fails)N/AN/AN/A
Chemical LeachingNoneYes — CCA/ACQMicroplasticsMicroplasticsNone
Slip Resistance (wet)ExcellentPoorModeratePoorModerate
Barefoot SafetyExcellentPoor — splintersHot in sunHot in sunHot in sun
Structural StrengthVery highModerateLowLowHigh
Environmental ImpactNaturalChemical-treatedPlastic-basedPlastic-basedEnergy-intensive
Cost (50-year)LowestHighest (replace 3-4x)HigherHigherModerate

Red Balau Dock vs Pressure-Treated Dock

PT dock lumber lasts 10-15 years and leaches chemicals. Red Balau lasts 40+ years with zero chemicals. The warm red-brown color and splinter-free surface make Red Balau a significant upgrade from PT for any dock project.

Red Balau Dock vs Ipe Dock

Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,700 Janka) with better saltwater performance and longer lifespan (75+ vs 40+ years). Red Balau costs less and comes from Southeast Asia — a good alternative for freshwater docks where maximum density isn't critical.

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Red Balau Dock vs Cumaru Dock

Cumaru is harder (3,330 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts longer (50+ vs 40+ years). Red Balau offers a different sourcing region (SE Asia vs South America) and a unique warm red-brown color at a competitive price.

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Red Balau Dock Decking FAQ

Yes. At 2,700 Janka — harder than Tigerwood and all domestic species — Red Balau provides genuine premium dock performance. It's especially well-suited for freshwater lake and river docks with a 40+ year lifespan.

Red Balau comes from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia). This provides sourcing diversity compared to South American species like Ipe and Cumaru. The Shorea genus has a long track record in tropical marine construction.

Red Balau performs well in freshwater and low-salinity coastal environments. For heavy saltwater or commercial marina use with high marine borer exposure, Ipe or Cumaru provide stronger resistance.

A Red Balau dock lasts 40+ years — 3-4 times longer than pressure-treated lumber. No chemical treatment is needed for the full lifespan, meaning zero leaching into your waterway.

Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts longer (75+ vs 40+ years) with better saltwater performance. Red Balau costs less, comes from a different sourcing region, and provides excellent freshwater dock performance.

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