5/4x6 Red Balau Wood Decking board profile diagram
Decking

5/4x6 Red Balau Wood Decking

This 5/4x6 Red Balau Wood decking board pairs the proven outdoor performance of Red Balau (Batu) with a 2,700 Janka hardness rating — one of the hardest commercially available woods on earth. This naturally durable hardwood withstands extreme weather, UV exposure, and heavy foot traffic without chemical treatment — perfect for exterior decks, patios, and pool surrounds. In stock and ships nationwide — order Red Balau decking online or call 1-844-674-4455 for expert guidance.

5/4 x 6(1"×5.5" actual)[25.4mm × 139.7mm]
Contractor Trusted
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Ships Nationwide
SKU: RED -54X6-E4E-SB-L1

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Select profile, grade, and length below to see live pricing

The Ideal Choice for Strength, Aesthetics, and Performance

Eased-Edge (Standard)

Select and Better is our standard grade

Length Guide

Available lengths: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22′

Estimated Shipping Weight
Weight per linear foot:2.67 lbs/LF
1' board:3 lbs

5/4x6 Red Balau Wood Decking — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about eased-edge red balau decking

About 5/4x6 Red Balau Wood Decking

Red Balau lumber, known for its exceptional strength and durability, is an ideal choice for decking applications. This high-performance hardwood species naturally resists the elements, making it suitable for outdoor use. Its E4E (Ease 4 Edges) profile enhances the visual appeal and facilitates secure fastening, ensuring a long-lasting surface for decks. With a nominal size of 5/4x6, this lumber delivers both aesthetic and structural benefits, making it a reliable option for any decking project.

  • Naturally weather-resistant and durable
  • Aesthetically pleasing with less visible fasteners
  • Easily installed for various decking configurations
  • Long-lasting performance for all outdoor conditions
  • Suitable for both residential and commercial applications

Key Benefits

Weather Resistance

Red Balau's natural oils repel moisture and prevent rot, making it highly suitable for outdoor environments.

Aesthetic Appeal

The rich color variations and attractive grain patterns of Red Balau enhance the visual appeal of any deck.

Low Maintenance

Once treated, Red Balau requires minimal maintenance, ensuring long-term beauty and durability without excessive care.

Strength and Durability

With high density and strength, Red Balau can withstand heavy foot traffic and diverse weather conditions.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

N/A

Density

Varies by source, generally high density

Durability Rating

Highly durable and resistant to rot

Dimensional Stability

Excellent dimensional stability with minimal warp and shrinkage

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Use high-quality stainless steel fasteners to prevent corrosion
  • Allow proper ventilation between boards for moisture management
  • Follow local building codes for joist spacing and support

Recommended Tools:

Cordless drill
Cutting saw
Measuring tape
Level

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly clean the surface with soap and water to maintain appearance, avoiding harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.

Finishing

Apply a wood sealer or protective finish suited for outdoor use to enhance durability against UV and moisture.

Weathering

Color may fade over time; periodic reapplication of sealer can help maintain appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 5/4x6 Red Balau board weighs approximately 2.67 lbs per linear foot. Red Balau has a density of about 50-60 lbs/ft³, making it one of the densest commercially available hardwoods. Always factor weight into your structural and shipping calculations.

Yes — Red Balau is rated Durability Class 1 (Very Durable) and is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and fungal attack without chemical treatment. It is naturally durable and performs exceptionally well in full exterior exposure including decking applications. While ground contact is possible, we recommend elevating Red Balau boards at least 6" above grade for maximum lifespan.

Red Balau outperforms composite in hardness (2,700 vs ~200 Janka), lifespan (up to 40+ years vs 25-30 years), and heat resistance. Unlike composites, Red Balau won't melt, warp in extreme heat, or fade significantly. While initial cost is similar ($8-15/LF installed), Red Balau costs less over its much longer lifetime. Composites do offer lower upfront maintenance.

Red Balau requires minimal maintenance. Without treatment, it naturally weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina over 6-12 months. To maintain the original warm brown color, apply a UV-inhibiting penetrating oil (like Ipe Oil or Penofin) once or twice annually. Cleaning involves periodic washing with a mild soap solution. No sanding, staining, or sealing is required for structural durability.

Red Balau is DIY-friendly with proper preparation. Key requirements: (1) Always pre-drill all screw holes — Red Balau is too hard for direct screwing. (2) Use only 305 or 316 stainless steel fasteners — standard hardware will corrode and stain. (3) Face-screw with stainless steel trim-head screws. (4) Allow boards to acclimate on-site for 5-7 days before installation. A compound miter saw with a carbide-tipped blade is recommended.

A nominal 5/4x6 Red Balau board has actual finished dimensions of 1" × 5.5" (25.4 x 139.7 mm). The "5/4x6" is the nominal (rough-cut) size — after kiln drying and precision surfacing, all hardwood lumber finishes slightly smaller. This is standard across the lumber industry, similar to how a nominal 2×4 softwood measures 1.5" × 3.5". Always use the actual dimensions (1" × 5.5") when calculating material quantities and coverage for your project.

We responsibly, legally, and ethically source all our Red Balau. We work only with suppliers who follow responsible forestry practices with full chain-of-custody transparency. Note: We are not FSC certified. Red Balau trees grow naturally in diverse tropical forests and regenerate well under managed harvest. The extremely long lifespan (up to 40+ years) means fewer replacements compared to softwood or composite alternatives, reducing long-term environmental impact.

Shipping & Delivery

Nationwide delivery: We ship to all 50 states via LTL freight, flatbed, or terminal pickup

Typical lead time: 5-10 business days for standard orders (custom milling may add 2-3 weeks)

Shipping estimate: Final freight cost calculated at checkout based on your location and order size

Rush service available: Contact us for expedited milling and shipping options