All About Batu
Batu is a gorgeous wood that is an ideal material to use for deck building. If you’re looking for a beautiful and durable wood that costs less than ipe, then batu is a great option for you.
Batu Facts
Also known as red balau, batu is a hardwood originating from Indonesia and other locations in Southeast Asia. Batu is prized for its durability and natural beauty. The heartwood ranges from a medium red color to a deep reddish brown, and sometimes contains tinges of purple. Homeowners often pick batu when they want the look of genuine mahogany and durability comparable to ipe but at a fraction of the budget. Additionally, batu’s density – almost twice that of cedar – means that it’s durable and resistant to the elements without any additives or preservatives. With an average lifespan of over 30 years, you’ll enjoy your batu deck for years to come!
How Tough is Batu?
Batu is tough enough to be given a Class A Fire Rating, outperforming even denser woods such as ipe and cumaru. Additionally, it is resistant to splinters and shrinkage and it can withstand extreme weather. Batu is also resistant to insects, decay, and mold. While not as hard as ipe, batu ranks 2,100 pounds on the Janka Hardness Rating, which still ensures that your deck won’t scratch or dent. With batu, you’ll be confident that your new deck will withstand pets, children, parties, and weather.
Batu Maintenance
With its beautiful, even texture and consistent color, batu is a popular choice. As with all natural hardwoods, if left untreated, a batu deck will weather to a pleasing, silvery grey tone. If you want to keep its original color, batu can easily and repeatedly be brought back to life with refinishing. Simply apply our Ipe Deck Oil, which will keep the color dark, bring out its natural grain, and protect it from damaging UV rays.
Interested In a Batu Deck?
Contact us today! We’ll help you figure out how much wood you need and in what lengths. Our batu is available in a variety of sizes (1×4, 1×6, 5/4×4, 5/4×6, 2×2, 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, 4×4) and, even better, it’s on sale now!
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