Malaysian Timbers in Design
Spotlight on Kapur
The balau deck outside one of the villas at Viceroy Maldives Resort.
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That prove that a discerning eye for esthetics and deep understanding of timber's technical qualities as a building material could result in breathtaking functional structures that become icons in themselves. And whatever the design script is, Malaysian timbers such as chengal, balau, merbau, kapur and meranti help dramatize and liven the construction stage.
Information on these and other popular Malaysian timber species is available on the MTC Wood Wizard, which is accessible on the MTC website (www.mtc.com.my).
Species: Dryobalanops spp.
Origin: Malaysia / Indonesia
Common Applications: Plywood, door and window frames, heavy construction, flooring, staircases, and as an internal and external finishing material.
Characteristics/Appearance: The heartwood is reddish brown and clearly demarcated from the pale sapwood. The sapwood ranges from almost white to light yellowish brown in color. Kapur wood exhibits variable grains from straight to spiral, to deeply interlocked grains that create a striking figure. The wood has a moderately coarse to even texture.
Janka Hardness Scale: 1,230 lb₁
Comments: The timber is also highly prized for external joinery, in particular for door and window sills, as it is resistant to decay when fully exposed to the weather.
Frequently asked questions
What is kapur wood commonly used for?+
Kapur is commonly used for plywood, door and window frames, heavy construction, flooring, staircases, and as an internal and external finishing material.
Where does kapur timber come from?+
Kapur (Dryobalanops spp.) originates from Malaysia and Indonesia.
What does kapur wood look like?+
Kapur heartwood is reddish brown and clearly demarcated from the pale sapwood, which ranges from almost white to light yellowish brown. The grain varies from straight to spiral or deeply interlocked, creating a striking figure, with a moderately coarse to even texture.
What is the Janka hardness of kapur wood?+
Kapur has a Janka hardness rating of 1,230 lbf.
Why is kapur suitable for external joinery?+
Kapur is highly prized for external joinery, particularly door and window sills, because it is resistant to decay when fully exposed to the weather.
Which Malaysian timber species are popular for design and construction?+
Popular Malaysian timber species used in design and construction include chengal, balau, merbau, kapur, and meranti. Information on these species is available on the MTC Wood Wizard at www.mtc.com.my.