What Is Shorea?
Shorea is a hardwood from the Dipterocarpaceae family, native to Indonesia and Malaysia in Southeast Asia. Known for its strength and durability, Shorea is an ideal choice for wooden decks. It boasts resistance to decay, pests, and fungi, making it suitable for various climatic conditions. Its abundant supply and the ability to be harvested in large sizes (3m and 4m) have contributed to its increasing popularity in recent years.
Uses of Shorea
Shorea’s dark brown color, hardness, and durability lend itself to a wide range of applications. Primarily recognized as a decking material, it is also used for exterior walls, roofs, sash frames, and flooring, especially in outdoor settings due to its durability and preservative properties.
Characteristics of Shorea
Popular for outdoor decks, balcony flooring, and wood fences, Shorea is known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and stability against insect damage, mold, and shape deterioration. It maintains dimensional stability and exhibits a beautiful, deep reddish-brown color that intensifies with age.
Pros
Shorea is a top choice for decking due to its water, UV, corrosion resistance, and durability against insects and mold. Its hardness and natural oil content make it non-slip, safe, and maintenance-free, while its appearance enhances the aesthetics of decks. It’s widely available, stable in price and quality, and popular for DIY projects.
Cons
The primary drawback of Shorea is its high cost, attributed to its rarity. Additionally, its hardness requires specialized skills for handling, and pinholes may be present due to natural characteristics. These factors necessitate careful consideration when investing in Shorea decking.
How to Choose the Right Shorea
1. Buy From a Reliable Supplier
Given its expense, purchasing Shorea from a trustworthy supplier ensures quality. When hiring a contractor, verify their experience and product range for reliability.
2. Check Samples
As natural wood varies in grain and color, inspecting Shorea samples before purchase is crucial. This helps confirm the actual appearance and quality of the wood.