Our high-quality building materials have various characteristics and can meet the needs of new builds and renovations.
Why Balau Stands Apart
Standout qualities of Balau hardwood include its natural strength and durability, and it is also highly resistant to rot, splintering, and insects. As a top-tier tropical hardwood, Balau offers remarkable structural strength, meaning that every rand spent is truly an investment. Deep golden to reddish-brown in colour, it delivers a finished deck that looks timeless and contemporary.
Balau has a dense, interlocking grain and a naturally smooth finish. This makes it a popular choice for outdoor areas such as pool decks. Of the decking wood options in Cape Town that we supply, Balau is certainly the toughest, and although it’s not the most budget-friendly option, its longevity pays for itself.
The Ideal Hardwood for Coastal Decks
For outdoor building projects along the Cape coastline or Garden Route, Balau decking is a particularly practical option, thanks to its natural resistance to water, wind, and UV exposure. The Western Cape is known for its brutal winds, which need to be considered if you’re close to the coastline. Balau hardwood is often used in jetties, boat decks, boardwalks, and dockside structures, where its natural durability and resistance to moisture make it well suited to demanding outdoor conditions.
Reeded vs Smooth Balau Decking
Choosing the right profile for your Balau decking in Cape Town comes down to the appearance and feel you want to achieve. A reeded Balau decking board (like our Balau Decking Reeded 19×90 x 1.8) is more textured, with fine grooves running along the board. If you’re building a deck alongside a swimming pool, reeded Balau may offer more grip on wet surfaces. Keep in mind that the grooves can collect dirt and require more cleaning.
Smooth Balau decking has a more natural, streamlined look that is often preferred for covered, dry areas. It is also easier to clean and maintain. Whichever profile you choose, appropriate installation and care are crucial to preserving the timber.
Sizes, Lengths, and Price (Per Metre)
We stock 19x90mm Balau decking, the standard size for residential decks across Cape Town, the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth. These can be purchased in lengths from 2.4 metres to 3.9 metres, all of which are sold untreated. This makes it suitable for a range of decking installation requirements, big and small. Explore a wider range of our exterior decking materials, or browse Balau decking for current products, pricing, and sizes.
Are you ready to start your Balau decking project? CONTACT US today!
