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

5/4x6 Red Balau Shiplap Siding

This 5/4x6 Red Balau Shiplap 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 overlapping shiplap profile sheds water naturally and creates a classic, weather-resistant look for 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]
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SKU: RED -54X6-SHIP-SB-L1

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Superior Durability and Aesthetics for Your Next Siding Project

Shiplap

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 Shiplap Siding — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about shiplap red balau siding

About 5/4x6 Red Balau Shiplap Siding

Red Balau lumber, specifically in a shiplap profile and 5/4x6 nominal (1x5.5 actual) size, offers an exceptional choice for exterior siding and cladding applications. Known for its outstanding dimensional stability and natural weather resistance, Red Balau is ideal for standing up to the elements. The shiplap design not only enhances aesthetic appeal with clean lines and shadow effects but also facilitates efficient installation, allowing for better drainage and airflow.

Key Benefits

Natural Weather Resistance

Red Balau wood holds up well against moisture and extreme weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for exterior applications.

Aesthetic Versatility

The shiplap profile creates beautiful shadow lines, enhancing the visual depth of any building facade.

Low Maintenance

Due to its inherent properties, Red Balau requires minimal maintenance compared to other wood species.

Sustainably Sourced

Red Balau is often harvested from sustainably managed forests, ensuring responsible use of natural resources.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

N/A

Density

N/A

Durability Rating

High (naturally resistant to rot and decay)

Dimensional Stability

Excellent, with low expansion and contraction rates.

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper ventilation behind the siding to prolong material life.
  • Use corrosion-resistant fasteners to prevent rust and decay.
  • Leave expansion gaps as recommended for dimensional stability.

Recommended Tools:

Power drill
Level
Circular saw
Measuring tape

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Clean with mild soap and water; avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood finish.

Finishing

Apply a high-quality sealant or stain to enhance durability and maintain color.

Weathering

Over time, Red Balau may develop a silvery patina if left untreated, which can be appealing for certain architectural styles.

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:

Rainscreen

Designed for rainscreen clip systems with ventilation gap

Related Red Balau Products & Resources

Explore more Red Balau siding options and expert guides