Types of Hardwood in Asia: A Comprehensive Guide to Australia and Southeast Asia

by Joost Nusselder Updated:  August 23, 2022

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As a woodworker, you’re always looking for the next great type of wood to work with. And Asia has some of the most unique and valuable types of hardwood in the world.

The most popular types of hardwood in Asia are teak, Malaysian oak, Indian rosewood, and Indonesian pine. But there are many more types of hardwood in Asia, including burma teak, sri lankan ebony, and many others.

In this article, I’ll explore the types of hardwood in Asia, their unique features, and how they’re used.

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The Diversity of Asian Hardwoods: From Pakistan to Indonesia

When it comes to hardwood, Asia is a treasure trove of unique and valuable varieties. From Pakistan to Indonesia, the region boasts an impressive array of woods, each with its own set of characteristics and uses. In this section, we will explore the key features of some of the most commonly found types of Asian hardwood.

Types of Asian Hardwood

Asian hardwood can be found in a variety of countries, each with its own unique profile. Here are some of the most significant types of hardwood found in the region:

• Burma teak: This wood is highly valued for its rich, dark color and straight grain. It is commonly used in construction and boat-building due to its durability and resistance to water.
• Malaysian oak: This wood is a mixture of several oak varieties found in the area. It is highly valued for its coarse, open grain and is commonly used in the production of kitchen cabinets and other high-end furniture.
• Indian rosewood: This wood is highly prized for its sweet aroma and rich, dark color. It is commonly used in the production of musical instruments, such as guitars and sitars.
• Sri Lankan ebony: This wood is highly valued for its hard, black heartwood and is commonly used in the production of high-end furniture and decorative items.
• Indonesian pine: This wood is commonly found in Indonesia and is highly valued for its uniform, straight grain. It is commonly used in construction and furniture production.

Characteristics and Uses

Each type of Asian hardwood has its own set of unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the key features of each type:

• Burma teak: This wood is fairly hard and has a medium texture. It is commonly used in boat-building, outdoor furniture, and flooring.
• Malaysian oak: This wood is highly valued for its coarse, open grain and is commonly used in the production of high-end furniture and kitchen cabinets.
• Indian rosewood: This wood is highly prized for its sweet aroma and is commonly used in the production of musical instruments and high-end furniture.
• Sri Lankan ebony: This wood is highly valued for its hard, black heartwood and is commonly used in the production of high-end furniture and decorative items.
• Indonesian pine: This wood is highly valued for its uniform, straight grain and is commonly used in construction and furniture production.

Processing and Finishes

The processing and finishing techniques used for Asian hardwood vary depending on the type of wood and the desired end product. Here are some of the common techniques used:

• Drying: Most types of Asian hardwood require a special drying process to ensure that they do not warp or crack.
• Ground finishes: This type of finish is commonly used on high-end furniture and involves sanding the wood to a very smooth finish.
• Oil finishes: This type of finish is commonly used on outdoor furniture and involves applying a coat of oil to protect the wood from the elements.
• Traditional finishes: Some types of Asian hardwood, such as Indian rosewood, are commonly finished with traditional techniques that have been used for centuries.

Availability and Value

The availability and value of Asian hardwood varies depending on the type of wood and the area in which it is found. Here are some examples:

• Burma teak: This wood is highly valued and is considered one of the best types of teak available. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia and is highly sought after by experienced woodworkers.
• Malaysian oak: This wood is highly valued and is commonly used in high-end furniture production. It is found primarily in Malaysia and is highly sought after by users who value quality and durability.
• Indian rosewood: This wood is highly valued and is commonly used in the production of musical instruments and high-end furniture. It is found primarily in India and is highly sought after by users who value its unique characteristics.
• Sri Lankan ebony: This wood is highly valued and is commonly used in the production of high-end furniture and decorative items. It is found primarily in Sri Lanka and is highly sought after by users who value its unique characteristics.
• Indonesian pine: This wood is highly valued and is commonly used in construction and furniture production. It is found primarily in Indonesia and is highly sought after by users who value its uniform grain and durability.

Exploring the Exotic Hardwood Species of Australia and Southeast Asia

When it comes to hardwood, Australia has a lot to offer. Here are some of the most popular species:

• Jarrah: A rich, red hardwood that is extremely durable and resistant to fire and water. It is commonly used for flooring and outdoor furniture.
• Blackbutt: A lighter colored hardwood with a straight grain that is commonly used for flooring, decking, and building.
• White Ash: A versatile hardwood that is commonly used for furniture, flooring, and building. It has a tight grain and is fairly hard.
• Cypress Pine: A softwood that is commonly used for building and fencing. It is resistant to fire and termites.

Technical Features and Finishes

When choosing a hardwood, it’s important to consider its technical features and finishes. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Grain: Hardwood can have a coarse or tight grain, which affects its appearance.
• Hardness: Hardwood can range from soft to hard, which affects its durability.
• Color: Hardwood can range from light to dark, which affects its appearance.
• Finishes: Hardwood can be finished in a variety of ways, from natural to stained.

Building and Design with Hardwood

Hardwood is a great choice for building and design. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Availability: Some hardwood species are more common than others.
• Cost: Hardwood can be expensive, especially exotic species.
• Design: Hardwood can be used in a variety of designs, from traditional to modern.
• Professional Help: If you’re not an expert in building or design, it’s important to seek professional help.

The Ultimate Test: Acoustic Properties

Did you know that hardwood can also have acoustic properties? Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Energy Storage: Hardwood can store energy, which affects its acoustic properties.
• Dryness: Hardwood needs to be dry to have good acoustic properties.
• Type: Some hardwood species are better for acoustic purposes than others.
• Additional Resources: If you need help with acoustic properties, there are additional resources available.

Where to Find Hardwood Products

If you’re looking for hardwood products, here are some places to start:

• Local Suppliers: Check your local suppliers for hardwood products.
• Online: There are many online stores that sell hardwood products.
• Special Orders: If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider a special order.
• Check the Cart: Always check the cart before making a purchase.

The Current Market for Hardwood

The market for hardwood is constantly changing. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Supply and Demand: Hardwood supply and demand can change quickly.
• Related News: Keep up with related news to stay informed about the hardwood market.
• End Use: The end use of hardwood can affect its market value.
• Low End: There are also low-end hardwood products available for those on a budget.

Exploring the Grain and Hardness of Asian Hardwood

When it comes to choosing the right type of hardwood for your project, hardness is an important factor to consider. The Janka hardness scale is a useful tool to help you determine the hardness of different types of wood. The scale ranges from 0 to 4000, with higher numbers indicating harder wood. Here are some examples of the Janka hardness ratings for popular Asian hardwoods:

• Red Oak: 1290
• Ash: 1320
• Cherry: 950
• Birch: 1260
• Alder: 590
• Cypress: 1375

Examining the Grain Patterns

The grain pattern of a piece of wood can greatly impact its appearance and overall aesthetic. Here are some common grain patterns found in Asian hardwoods:

• Straight Grain: This is the most common type of grain pattern and is characterized by straight, parallel lines running down the length of the wood.
• Wavy Grain: This pattern features gentle, flowing curves that create a unique and interesting look.
• Burl Grain: This pattern is created by the growth of a tree’s burl, which produces a swirling, irregular pattern.
• Coarse Grain: This pattern features large, visible grain lines that create a rustic and natural look.

Considering Durability and Water Resistance

When it comes to choosing the right type of hardwood for your project, durability and water resistance are important factors to consider. Here are some popular Asian hardwoods and their durability ratings:

• Ash: This hardwood is considered to be a very durable wood and is resistant to wear and tear.
• Cherry: This hardwood is fairly durable and is resistant to scratches and dents.
• Birch: This hardwood is a softer wood and is not as durable as some other hardwoods.
• Alder: This hardwood is a softer wood and is not as durable as some other hardwoods.
• Cypress: This hardwood is highly durable and is resistant to rot and decay.

Choosing the Right Asian Hardwood for Your Project

With so many different kinds of Asian hardwoods available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your project. Here are some tips to help you find the right type of hardwood:

• Consider the Janka hardness rating to determine the hardness of the wood.
• Look at the grain pattern to find a pattern that suits your aesthetic.
• Consider the durability and water resistance of the wood to ensure it will stand up to your needs.
• Think about the color and overall appearance of the wood to find a type that matches your vision.

Conclusion

So there you have it- the types of hardwood in Asia and where they’re from. As you can see, there’s a lot to learn about wood! 

As with any material, it’s important to consider the type of wood you’re using and how you’re going to use it. So make sure you do your research before you make any decisions.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.