Have you heard of kruing wood but don’t know what its characteristics and advantages are? This wood is often chosen as an alternative to teak or merbau because it is strong and has an elegant appearance. But is kruing really reliable for construction and furniture?
Interestingly, many carpenters and woodworkers choose kruing. Why is that? Well, let’s learn more about kruing wood, starting from its characteristics, advantages, to how this wood can be a star in various building and furniture projects!
Getting to Know Kruing Wood
Before choosing wood for your project, learn more about what kruing wood is and where it comes from. By understanding kruing wood from the ground up, you can understand why this type of wood is widely used in construction and furniture. Let’s discuss it in more detail!
a. What is Kruing Wood?
Know that kruing is a type of wood obtained from trees of the Dipterocarpus genus. Kruing wood is commonly found in Indonesia, especially in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and several regions in Java. This wood is often used in various hardwood applications due to its dense and strong properties, although it is not the most durable wood compared to ironwood or teak.
b. Characteristics of Kruing Wood
To recognize and select good kruing wood, here are some characteristics you need to pay attention to:
- Kruing wood generally has a reddish-brown color or a combination of dark brown and gray.
- The grain is straight and smooth, sometimes quite slippery, and when rubbed, the surface can feel slightly sticky.
- Kruing wood is dense and strong, and when screwed or nailed, it has good adhesive strength.
- This wood is relatively stable and does not split easily when processed correctly.
- Some pieces of kruing wood may contain resin or sap, and when peeled, they sometimes emit a slight aroma characteristic of hardwood.
c. Advantages & Disadvantages
Every type of wood has its own advantages and challenges. To help you make an informed decision before using it, here are the advantages and disadvantages of kruing wood!
Advantages of Kruing Wood
1. Kruing wood has a dense structure, making it capable of withstanding considerable weight.
2. Although not as durable as teak or ironwood, kruing wood has fairly good durability (including class III) when treated with termite repellent and the right finishing.
3. Its warm natural color, along with its fine grain, gives an elegant impression when used in furniture or interior wood finishes.
4. Because it is quite dense, kruing wood is easy to fasten with screws or glue with strong adhesive without breaking easily.
Disadvantages of Kruing Wood
1. When used outdoors or in damp areas, this wood is susceptible to decay and termite damage, unless it has been specially treated.
2. Due to its dense nature, kruing wood requires sharper tools and special treatment to prevent cracking or damage when being cut, planed, or drilled.
3. If not properly dried or preserved, the wood can experience excessive shrinkage or expansion.
d. Uses of Kruing Wood in Construction & Furniture
After learning about kruing wood and its characteristics, here are some of its uses in various fields of construction and furniture:
- Roof frames & building structures
Due to its strength, kruing wood is often used as rafters, beams, or roof frames for houses.
- Ceilings & decorative moldings
With its attractive appearance, kruing wood is suitable for decorative ceilings and interior moldings.
- Interior furniture
Chairs, tables, cabinets, and other wooden furniture sometimes use preserved and finished kruing wood for durability.
- Interior frames & doors
Although less than ideal for outdoor frames due to moisture, kruing wood can still be used for interior doors or frames with a protective finish.
- Wooden wall paneling & decorative panels
Wooden panels for interior walls often use kruing wood for a natural aesthetic effect.
e. Kruing Wood Care Tips
To ensure kruing wood remains durable for years, proper care is essential. Here are some easy tips you can follow!
- Ensure the wood is oven-dried or kiln-dried before installation to minimize shrinkage risk.
- Apply termite-resistant and preservative coatings before the final finish.
- Avoid direct exposure to extreme sunlight or high humidity.
- Repaint or recoat periodically to protect the surface.
- Avoid direct contact with soil or water sources to maintain the wood’s durability.
Now you know a lot about kruing wood, from its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, to tips on how to care for it so that it lasts a long time. In essence, kruing wood can be an attractive choice for a material that is strong, aesthetic, but still affordable. As long as it is cared for properly, this wood can beautify your home and last a long time.
For those of you who have decided and want to see firsthand the quality and varieties of good kruing wood, check out Hojaya’s kruing wood collection. Moreover, we also provide various types of high-quality construction and furniture wood with customizable sizes and finishes to suit your project needs.
What are you waiting for? Bring your dream home or project to life with the best wood materials from Hojaya, and experience the perfect blend of natural beauty and long-lasting strength!
