Red Balau, also known as Bangkirai, is a premium tropical hardwood sourced from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines). With a Janka hardness rating of 1,580 lbf and a density of 59 lbs/ft³, Red Balau is classified as Class 2 - Durable — one of the most durable commercial lumber species available. The heartwood exhibits light to medium red-brown with interlocked grain, moderately coarse texture, creating a striking natural appearance that improves with age.
Why Choose 1x2 Red Balau Wood for Your Deck?
Red Balau decking delivers a naturally slip-resistant, splinter-free surface that stays cool underfoot even in direct sunlight. Unlike composite or pressure-treated alternatives, it never fades to a dull gray unless you want the natural silver patina look. Properly installed 1x2 Red Balau decking delivers a service life of 40+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the Red Balau wood weather to a distinguished silver-gray patina. Red Balau carries a Class A - Low flame spread, making it suitable for wildfire-prone regions where code-compliant materials are required.
The 1x2 eased-edge (E4E) profile features gently rounded edges on all four sides, reducing the risk of splinters and creating a comfortable walking surface. This is the most versatile profile — suitable for face-screw installation with countersunk stainless steel fasteners. All Red Balau lumber is available in Select and Better grade with lengths ranging from 4′ to 20′. For detailed step-by-step instructions, consult our Red Balau installation guide. Long-term care recommendations are covered in our Red Balau maintenance guide.
1x2 Red Balau Decking — Installation & Coverage Specs
- Recommended joist spacing: 16" on center for 1x2 boards (0.75" actual thickness)
- Fastener placement: Face-screw with two stainless steel screws per joist, approximately 1" from each edge of the 1.5" face
- Board weight: A 12-foot 1x2 Red Balau board weighs approximately 6 lbs (0.46 lbs/LF)
- Coverage: Each 12-foot 1x2 board covers 1.5 sq ft of decking surface (1.5" face width)
- Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Red Balau — the 1,580 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing
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