Ipe Woods USA Logo
1x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding board profile diagram
Siding

1x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding

This 1x6 Red Balau Rainscreen siding board offers unmatched exterior cladding longevity, backed by Red Balau's 2,700 Janka hardness and a natural lifespan of up to 40+ years. The rainscreen profile is designed for ventilated clip systems, allowing airflow behind the cladding for superior moisture management on exterior cladding and accent walls. In stock and ships nationwide — order Red Balau siding online or call 1-844-674-4455 for expert guidance.

1 x 6(0.75"×5.5" actual)[19.0mm × 139.7mm]
Contractor Trusted
Expert Backed
Ships Nationwide
SKU: REDB-1X6-RAIN-SB-L1

Configure Your Order

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

Exceptional Performance for Siding and Cladding

Rainscreen

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:2.01 lbs/LF
1' board:2.0 lbs

1x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about rainscreen red balau siding

About 1x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding

Red Balau lumber, renowned for its durability and aesthetic qualities, is an ideal choice for exterior siding and cladding in a rainscreen profile. This type of cedar not only enhances the visual appeal of buildings but also provides superior dimensional stability and weather resistance, making it well-suited for varied environmental conditions. The rainscreen profile adds depth and visual interest, allowing for effective water drainage while creating attractive shadow lines that elevate the architectural design.

  • Exceptional dimensional stability for long-lasting performance
  • Superior weather resistance to withstand environmental impacts
  • Rainscreen profile enhances aesthetics and functionality
  • Ideal for both residential and commercial applications

Key Benefits

Resistance to Rot and Insects

Red Balau exhibits natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect damage, ensuring a long-lasting exterior.

Aesthetically Pleasing Grain and Color

The wood features a rich reddish-brown color with striking grain patterns that develop a beautiful patina over time.

Sustainability and Longevity

Sourced responsibly, Red Balau not only stands the test of time but also supports eco-friendly building standards.

Compatibility with Rainscreen Systems

Designed to work seamlessly with ventilated wall systems, enhancing moisture management and thermal performance.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

1580

Density

59 lbs/ft³

Durability Rating

Class 1 - High durability, naturally resistant to decay

Dimensional Stability

Excellent dimensional stability due to low shrinkage rates

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper ventilation behind the rainscreen profile to allow moisture to escape.
  • Use stainless steel or coated fasteners to avoid rust and corrosion.
  • Allow for expansion gaps as wood naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Recommended Tools:

Table saw
Miter saw
Drill with countersink bit
Level
Tape measure

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly clean the surface with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grime; avoid harsh chemicals.

Finishing

Apply a UV-resistant finishing product to preserve color and protect against weathering; reapply according to manufacturer's guidelines.

Weathering

Red Balau will develop a natural silver-gray patina if left untreated, which some may prefer for an aged appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 1x6 Red Balau board weighs approximately 2.01 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 siding 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 1x6 Red Balau board has actual finished dimensions of 0.75" × 5.5" (19.0 x 139.7 mm). The "1x6" 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 (0.75" × 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

Alternative Siding Option

This same Red Balau 1 x 6 is also available in a different siding profile:

Shiplap

Overlapping profile for traditional siding applications

1 x 6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding — Complete Buyer's Guide

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.

As exterior cladding, Red Balau siding provides a weather-tight barrier with exceptional impact resistance. The dense grain resists dents, hail damage, and woodpecker damage far better than cedar, pine, or fiber cement alternatives. Properly installed Red Balau siding delivers a service life of 40+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the 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 1 x 6 rainscreen profile is engineered for open-joint cladding systems with ventilation gaps behind the boards. This modern system manages moisture while creating a striking contemporary facade. 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.

Janka Hardness

1,580 lbf

Service Life

40+ years

Durability

Durable

Fire Rating

Class A

1 x 6 Red Balau Siding — Frequently Asked Questions

Red Balau siding has an expected service life of 40+ years when properly installed and maintained. This is 3-5x longer than pressure-treated pine and 2-3x longer than cedar. Red Balau achieves this exceptional longevity through its natural density (Janka hardness: 1,580 lbf) and Class 1 durability rating, which provide built-in resistance to rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth — all without chemical preservatives.

Use 305 or 316 stainless steel screws for all Red Balau installations — never use galvanized or coated deck screws, which will corrode and stain the wood. Pre-drill every hole using a countersink bit sized for your screw. For 1 x 6 boards, place screws approximately 1" from each edge and 3/4" from board ends. A combination drill/driver with a clutch setting prevents over-driving into this extremely hard wood.

Red Balau siding pricing varies by size, profile, grade, and board length. 1 x 6 Rainscreen boards in Select and Better grade typically range from $4-$12 per linear foot before shipping. While the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, Red Balau's 40+ years service life makes the lifetime cost per year significantly lower. Use our online configurator above to see exact pricing for your selected options, or request a custom quote for large orders.

Related Red Balau Products & Resources

Explore more Red Balau siding options and expert guides