Red Balau hardwood siding installed on exterior facade

Red Balau Siding

A dense Southeast Asian hardwood cladding with warm red-brown tones — excellent durability and geographic sourcing diversity for exterior siding projects.

Janka Hardness

2,700 lbf

Lifespan

40+ years

Fire Rating

Class A

Profiles

Shiplap, T&G, Rainscreen

Why Choose Red Balau for Siding & Cladding

Red Balau siding brings Southeast Asian hardwood density and durability to exterior cladding applications. At 2,700 Janka — harder than Tigerwood, Garapa, and all domestic siding species — Red Balau provides genuine premium cladding performance from a sourcing region entirely outside South America. For architects and builders seeking geographic diversity in their material supply chain, Red Balau siding delivers excellent performance with a warm, uniform red-brown color.

The warm red-brown tones of Red Balau cladding create an inviting exterior that complements a wide range of architectural styles. The relatively consistent coloring across boards gives Red Balau siding projects a cohesive, refined appearance — less variation than Tigerwood's bold stripes or Cumaru's tonal range.

Red Balau wood siding naturally resists rot, decay, and insects for 40+ years without chemical treatment. The Class A fire rating meets demanding building code requirements. At 58 lbs/ft³, Red Balau is dense enough for excellent impact and weather resistance while being somewhat easier to work with than ultra-dense species like Ipe or Massaranduba — a practical advantage for large siding installations.

For homeowners and builders who want real hardwood cladding at a competitive price with sourcing diversity, Red Balau siding fills a unique niche in the premium siding market. The species has a proven track record in Southeast Asian exterior construction spanning decades.

Siding Profiles Available in Red Balau

Shiplap

Overlapping boards with a distinctive shadow line. Classic exterior look for traditional and modern facades.

Best for: Traditional facade, accent walls

Tongue & Groove

Interlocking boards for a seamless, flush surface. Excellent weather protection with a refined appearance.

Best for: Soffits, porch ceilings, protected walls

Rainscreen

Open-joint cladding system with ventilation gaps. Modern aesthetic with superior moisture management.

Best for: Modern architecture, commercial, high-moisture

Shop All Red Balau Siding

Browse every size, profile, and grade with live pricing.

Red Balau Siding 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
Expected Lifespan (exterior)40+ years
Color (Fresh)Warm red-brown
Color (Weathered)Silver-gray patina
Available Thicknesses1x, 5/4
Available Widths4", 6", 8"
Available ProfilesShiplap, Tongue & Groove, Rainscreen, E4E
OriginSoutheast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia)

Installation Essentials for Red Balau Siding

Install Red Balau siding over a proper rainscreen or drainage plane. Pre-drill all fastener holes. Use stainless steel screws (316 grade for coastal). Red Balau's moderate density makes it easier to work with than Ipe or Cumaru. Allow 7-14 days of on-site acclimation. Seal all cut ends immediately. Both horizontal and vertical installations work well.

  • Rainscreen/drainage plane — required behind all exterior siding
  • Stainless steel fasteners — 316 grade for coastal environments
  • Acclimate 7-14 days on-site before installation
  • Seal cut ends immediately with end-grain sealer

How Red Balau Siding Compares

Red Balau Siding vs Ipe Siding

Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts longer (up to 75+ vs 40+ years). Red Balau costs less and comes from a different sourcing region — a solid premium siding option at a more accessible price.

Learn more about Ipe Siding

Red Balau Siding vs Cumaru Siding

Cumaru is harder (3,330 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts longer (50+ vs 40+ years) from South America. Red Balau offers SE Asian sourcing diversity with warm red-brown tones at a competitive price.

Learn more about Cumaru Siding

Red Balau Siding vs Cedar Siding

Cedar is dramatically less durable (350 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts only 10-15 years. Red Balau provides nearly 8x the hardness and 3-4x the lifespan — a significant upgrade for any exterior.

Red Balau Siding FAQ

Yes. At 2,700 Janka with Class A fire rating and natural rot resistance, Red Balau is far more durable than cedar or pine for siding. It provides 40+ years of exterior service with a warm red-brown appearance.

Red Balau comes from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia), providing geographic sourcing diversity compared to South American species like Ipe and Cumaru.

Ipe is harder (3,684 vs 2,700 Janka) and lasts longer. Red Balau costs less and offers a unique warm red-brown color from a different sourcing region. Both are excellent premium siding materials.

Red Balau has a warm, uniform red-brown color — more consistent than many tropical species. It weathers to silver-gray if untreated, or maintain the color with annual UV-protective oil.

Red Balau siding lasts 40+ years outdoors — 3-4 times longer than cedar and significantly longer than most composite cladding systems. No chemical treatment is needed.

Ready to Start Your Red Balau Siding Project?

Browse red balau siding sizes, profiles, and live pricing — or call for a free quote.