We only use the best Indonesian hardwoods for our luxury prefabs: Teak, Bangkirai (*) & Merbau. All our woods are legally and sustainably sourced from reputable Indonesian suppliers.
- What are the advantages of Bangkirai hardwood over cheaper alternatives like Coconut wood?
Bangkirai is a strong tropical hardwood rot proof, unlike the softer coconut wood. Only four Indonesian wood species are highly resistant to termite attack: Teak, Ironwood (Ulin), Merbau, and Bangkirai (listed in order of cost, highest to lowest). Bangkirai offers a balance of strength and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for our homes and gazebos. Coconut wood, however, is highly susceptible to termite damage, potentially leading to significant structural problems in infested areas. (See also the question on termite resistance.)
- Is Merbau also termite-resistant?
Merbau’s termite resistance is dependent on the wood type. Only Class I Merbau, sourced from the heartwood (inner core), is highly resistant. Sapwood (outer core) is significantly cheaper but more vulnerable to termite attack.
- What is the durability of your wood?
When considering the longevity of your Bali wood prefab, “durability” takes on a specific meaning beyond simple resistance to scratches and dents. While physical strength is certainly important (and can be assessed through metrics like Janka hardness and Modulus of Rupture), the true measure of durability in this context is the wood’s inherent resistance to natural decay.
This resistance is crucial because wood degradation can stem from various sources: fungal growth fueled by fluctuating moisture levels, and infestation by termites or other destructive insects. Understanding these factors is vital for ensuring the lasting quality of your Bali wood structure.
Classification | Service Life (in years) | Wood species |
Very Durable | 80+ | We use Teak, Bangkirai (*), Merbau |
Durable | 30-50 | Camphor, Kempas,we do not use |
Moderately Durable | 15-25 | Nyatoh, Kempas, we do not use
|
Non-Durable | 5-10 | Coconut wood, we do not use
|
Perishable | less than 5 | We do not use |
A common question we receive concerns the lifespan of our Bali wood prefab homes. While classic timber-frame homes have stood the test of time for centuries, our modern prefabricated structures leverage advancements in materials and construction techniques to ensure exceptional longevity.
A Legacy of Durability: Contrary to popular misconception, a 2022 university study revealed that traditionally built brick houses don’t inherently outperform timber-frame homes in terms of lifespan and durability. In fact, the last 60 years have seen significant improvements in timber prefab construction. With proper maintenance, our Bali wood homes are designed to provide comfortable and safe living for at least 80 years, and potentially up to 150-200 years.
Beyond Structural Integrity: Weathering Resistance
The longevity of a wood structure isn’t solely defined by its structural strength. The wood’s resistance to weathering is equally crucial. While quantifying weathering resistance precisely is challenging, we prioritize woods exhibiting exceptional performance in key areas: minimal photo-degradation (damage from UV rays), and superior resistance to warping, cracking, and dimensional changes caused by seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Premium Wood Selection: This commitment to quality leads us to utilize only the finest woods known for their superior durability and weathering characteristics, such as Bangkirai and Merbau. These timbers are renowned for their exceptional performance, ensuring your Bali wood prefab remains a beautiful and structurally sound investment for generations to come.
- How do you address overseas county regulations regarding tropical hardwoods?
Overseas building codes are often restrictive regarding materials not native to the region. While tropical hardwoods are widely accepted globally, this isn’t always the case everywhere in the world. We successfully navigate this by demonstrating to county authorities the superior strength of our tropical hardwoods, supported by technical evidence. We have obtained special permits for using Indonesian Bangkirai in Hawaii (Maui, Oahu, and Hawaii County), Australia, Europe and the Caribbean Islands.
- Will Bangkirai and Merbau discolor without protective coating?
Yes. Bangkirai will turn a medium grey, with occasional lighter areas. Merbau will develop a grayish-brown hue.
- Is Bangkirai prone to cracking?
While Bangkirai’s density means some minor cracking is possible due to changes in moisture content, this is a natural process and doesn’t usually affect structural integrity. Wider cracks, potentially from improper air drying, are rare and addressed on a case-by-case basis, in this case, it will not pass our quality control.
- How do you ensure your wood is legally sourced?
Our timber comes from Borneo (Bangkirai) and Irian Jaya (Merbau) in Indonesia. Indonesian regulations under the V legal SVLK wood tracing system prevent us from sourcing logs illegally, requiring checks for governmental legal paperwork at the origin (supervised and authorized wood logging} and again at the factory before containers loading. A traceable paperwork is attached to the shipment.
- What’s the difference between heartwood and hardwood?
Heartwood is the central, strongest, and densest part of a tree. Hardwood is a general term for wood species with hardwood characteristics.
- What is kiln drying, and why is it important for Indonesian hardwood?
Kiln drying is a controlled process where lumber is dried in a heated, enclosed chamber. Unlike air drying, which can take months or even years, kiln drying significantly reduces moisture content in a much shorter timeframe (typically weeks). This is vital for Indonesian hardwood because it prevents warping, shrinking, cracking, and insect infestation. The precise control over temperature and humidity in our kilns ensures the wood maintains its strength and beauty while minimizing stress and potential defects.
- What type of kiln drying process do you use?
We utilize a computer-controlled dehumidification kiln which allows for precise monitoring and adjustment of temperature and humidity throughout the drying cycle. This technology helps prevent rapid drying that could damage the wood, resulting in a superior final product.
- What are the benefits of choosing kiln-dried Indonesian hardwood for your prefabs?
Choosing kiln-dried hardwood ensures:
- Greater Stability: Reduced warping and shrinkage leading to a longer-lasting and more structurally sound home.
- Enhanced Durability: Resistance to insect damage and decay, extending the life of your prefab structure.
- Improved Aesthetics: The wood retains its natural beauty and color without the discoloration often associated with improperly dried wood.
- Faster Construction: Kiln-dried wood is ready to use immediately, potentially speeding up the construction process of your prefab home.