The Big Three: At a Glance
Before diving into the technical specs, it is essential to understand the distinct personality of each timber.
Reclaimed Teak (Tectona grandis): The legend. Known for its golden-brown elegance and high oil content. It is the definition of premium luxury.
Reclaimed Bangkirai (Shorea laevis): The workhorse. Incredibly dense, durable, and structurally sound. It is often the unsung hero of heavy-duty outdoor construction.
Reclaimed Kapur (Dryobalanops): The alternative. A fantastic balance of durability and affordability, offering unique reddish hues and excellent resistance to decay.
Comparison Table: Price, Durability & Usage
To help you navigate your options, we’ve compiled a direct comparison based on our inventory here in Bali.
Reclaimed Teak
Price: High (Premium)
Durability: Class 1 (Very Durable)
Best Application: Luxury furniture, interior flooring, high-end cladding
Weather Stability: Exceptional
Reclaimed Bangkirai
Price: Medium (Best Value)
Durability: Class 1-2 (Durable)
Best Application: Heavy-duty decking, structural posts, bridges
Weather Stability: High (Requires proper fastening)
Reclaimed Kapur
Price: Low - Medium
Durability: Class 2 (Moderately Durable)
Best Application: Roof trusses, framing, covered decking
Weather Stability: Moderate (Best for covered areas)
Spotlight: Why Reclaimed Bangkirai is the King of Outdoors
While Teak gets the glory, Reclaimed Bangkirai (often called Yellow Balau) is frequently the smarter engineering choice for demanding exterior projects.
Why do we recommend Bangkirai for your toughest tasks?
Structural Density: Bangkirai is incredibly hard. Its high density makes it resistant to scratches, dents, and heavy foot traffic, making it ideal for pool decks, hotel boardwalks, and public spaces.
The "Reclaimed" Advantage: New Bangkirai can sometimes be prone to "pinholes" or warping if not kiln-dried perfectly. However, Reclaimed Bangkirai has already spent decades exposed to the elements. It is seasoned, stable, and has finished "moving." You get the strength of ironwood without the astronomical price tag.
Weather Resistance: In Bali’s tropical climate—with its cycle of scorching sun and torrential monsoon rain—Bangkirai holds up magnificently. It resists rot and fungal attack naturally, without needing heavy chemical treatments.
Pro Tip: If you are building a large pergola or a structural skeleton for a villa, Bangkirai offers the best strength-to-cost ratio on the market.
4 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Don’t just buy wood; invest in a solution. Before finalizing your order at Kitaru or elsewhere, ask yourself (and your supplier) these questions:
1. "What is the specific exposure of the area?" Is the wood going to be under a roof, or fully exposed to UV and rain?
2. "Do I want a silver-grey patina or the natural wood color?"
Verdict: All three species will turn silver-grey over time if left unsealed. However, Teak ages the most gracefully into a silvery sheen. If you want to maintain the brown color, you must factor in regular oiling maintenance.
3. "What is the provenance of the Reclaimed Wood?"
Verdict: Ensure your supplier can tell you where the wood came from (e.g., old warehouses in East Java, bridges in Kalimantan). At Kitaru, transparency is key—we ensure our materials are ethically sourced, preserving Indonesia’s forests by repurposing what already exists.
4. "Is the wood strictly graded?"
Verdict: Reclaimed wood is rustic, but it shouldn't be "junk." Ask about grading. Are you buying "rustic grade" (more character, holes, cracks) or "export grade" (cleaner look)? We offer different grades to suit both rustic Bali villas and sleek modern designs.
The Verdict
Choosing the right reclaimed timber is about balancing aesthetics, longevity, and budget.
Choose Teak for visible, high-touch areas where beauty and luxury are paramount.
Choose Bangkirai for structural integrity, outdoor decking, and areas that take a beating.
Choose Kapur for framing and covered areas where you want hardwood performance without the premium cost.
Still unsure which species fits your project? Our team at Kitaru Lumberyard is here to help. Whether you are an architect needing technical data or a homeowner planning a renovation, come visit our showroom in Bali or contact us for a consultation.
