Indonesia is known as a country rich in natural resources, including tropical forests that produce various types of high-quality wood. These woods are not only used for local needs, but are also widely exported to other countries due to their beautiful grain, strength, and durability. It is no surprise that Indonesian hardwoods is sought after by the architecture, furniture, and world-class craft industries.
Interestingly, each type of wood has different characteristics and advantages. Some are famous for their luxurious grain, while others are favored for their exceptional durability. So, before you make a choice for your project needs, let’s take a closer look at the types of Indonesian native wood that are world-renowned and highly valued!
Types of Indonesian Hardwoods
Indonesia is famous as one of the countries with the largest tropical forest wealth in the world. It is no surprise that many types of Indonesian hardwoods are of superior quality. Let’s get to know some of the best types of wood from our homeland!
1. Teak Wood (Tectona grandis)
Teak wood is a favorite in Indonesia and is well-known internationally. Its advantages lie in its extraordinary strength, resistance to extreme weather, and resistance to pests such as termites and fungi. Its beautiful wood grain and distinctive color make it the top choice for luxury furniture, carvings, and building construction.
2. Merbau Wood (Intsia spp.)
Known as ironwood, merbau has a very high level of hardness and density. This wood is commonly found in Maluku and Papua, with a dark reddish-brown color and attractive grain. Due to its strength, merbau wood is often used for heavy construction, poles, railroad ties, and sturdy, durable parquet flooring.
3. Sonokeling Wood (Dalbergia latifolia)
Sonokeling wood has a dark, almost black color with elegant, fine grain, so it is often called local rosewood. Its strength and beauty make this wood widely used for premium furniture, musical instruments, and high-quality handicrafts. Its high selling value makes sonokeling one of the most expensive types of wood in Indonesia.
4. Ulin Wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri)
Originating from Kalimantan, ulin wood is known for being very hard, heavy, and resistant to decay, even in seawater. This wood is widely used for construction that requires extra durability, such as piles, bridges, and docks. In some areas, ulin is also used as a material for traditional shingle roofs, which are known for their durability.
5. Ebony Wood (Diospyros celebica)
Ebony wood, or Sulawesi black wood, is one of the most expensive and rarest woods in the world. Its distinctive feature is its deep black color with light grain lines. This wood is hard, dense, and heavy, making it difficult to process, but the end result is stunning. Ebony is often used for luxury furniture, carvings, knife handles, and musical instruments. Due to its rarity, the price of this wood continues to soar on the international market.
6. Bangkirai Wood (Shorea laevis)
Bangkirai wood comes from the forests of Kalimantan and Sumatra. It has a yellowish-brown color with straight grain and is known for being strong, hard, and resistant to weather changes. Its sturdy nature makes bangkirai wood often used for outdoor construction such as decking, bridges, and garden fences. Its resistance to termites also makes it popular in the export market, especially in Japan and Europe.
7. Kruing Wood (Dipterocarpus spp.)
Kruing wood is commonly found in Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua. Its color varies from pinkish brown to dark red, with straight or slightly wavy grains. This wood is durable, does not crack easily, and has high strength, making it suitable for heavy construction, ships, and roof frames. Overseas, kruing is known as a high-quality hardwood flooring material.
In essence, Indonesian wood is of a quality that is not inferior to wood from other countries, and many types are even recognized worldwide for their beauty and durability. From teak to ebony, each type of wood has its own characteristics and advantages. So, if you are looking for materials for furniture, buildings, or even artistic crafts, Indonesian wood can be the best choice, as it is not only durable but also full of value.
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Come check out Hojaya‘s collection of quality wood and find the best materials to bring your projects to life!