5/4x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding board profile diagram
Siding

5/4x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding

This 5/4x6 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.

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

Configure Your Order

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

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:2.67 lbs/LF
1' board:3 lbs

5/4x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about rainscreen red balau siding

About 5/4x6 Red Balau Rainscreen Siding

Red balau lumber is an excellent choice for exterior siding and cladding applications, particularly when using a rainscreen profile. Renowned for its dimensional stability and resistance to weather conditions, red balau provides a reliable solution for architectural projects. The rainscreen profile enhances the aesthetic appeal by creating interesting shadow lines and offers flexibility in installation orientation, which can dramatically affect the visual impact of any building facade.

  • Exceptional dimensional stability under various weather conditions
  • Highly resistant to moisture and decay
  • Constructed with a rainscreen profile for enhanced aesthetics
  • Easy installation orientation that suits diverse architectural styles

Key Benefits

Weather Resistant

Red balau demonstrates remarkable resistance to moisture, mold, and rot, making it suitable for various climates.

Aesthetic Appeal

The rainscreen profile provides unique shadow lines while allowing for versatile installation orientations that enhance design.

Long-lasting Performance

With proper installation and maintenance, red balau can offer decades of service without significant visual or structural degradation.

Sustainable Sourcing

Red balau is often sourced responsibly, contributing to eco-friendly architectural practices.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

N/A

Density

Not specified, generally high density

Durability Rating

Very durable; high resistance to weathering and insect damage

Dimensional Stability

Stability throughout seasonal weather changes

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper spacing for ventilation
  • Use stainless steel fasteners to reduce corrosion risks
  • Consider seasonal expansion and contraction when installing

Recommended Tools:

Drill
Screwdriver
Measuring tape
Level

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly clean with mild soap and water to prevent dirt buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the wood.

Finishing

Periodically apply a high-quality exterior wood finish to maintain appearance, especially if exposed to harsh sunlight.

Weathering

Over time, the wood will naturally weather to a silver-gray patina, which can be desirable but varies depending on exposure.

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 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 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

Alternative Siding Option

This same Red Balau 5/4 x 6 is also available in a different siding profile:

Shiplap

Overlapping profile for traditional siding applications

Related Red Balau Products & Resources

Explore more Red Balau siding options and expert guides