When it comes to selecting the right timber for your building or woodworking project, understanding the differences between various hardwood species is essential. In Indonesia and Southeast Asia, three commonly available and widely used timbers are Bengkirai, Keruing, and Camphor.
Each timber offers unique advantages — from high durability and structural strength to aromatic appeal and cost-efficiency. In this blog, we break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
1. Bengkirai: The Heavy-Duty Outdoor Champion
Bengkirai (also known internationally as Yellow Balau) is a tropical hardwood from the Dipterocarpaceae family. It’s best known for its strength, density, and durability — making it ideal for structural and exterior applications.
Key Features:
- Durability: Highly resistant to termites, decay, and harsh weather.
- Density: 700–1,000 kg/m³ – heavy and strong.
- Color: Golden to reddish-brown with fine interlocked grain.
- Best Use: Decking, bridges, marine structures, and outdoor furniture.
- Workability: Hard on blades but holds fasteners well.
- Cost: Generally premium-priced due to performance.
2. Keruing: The Budget-Friendly All-Rounder
Keruing, also a Dipterocarp species, is often used as a cost-effective alternative to Bengkirai. While slightly less durable, it still performs well in many construction settings.
Key Features:
- Durability: Moderately durable; requires treatment for outdoor use.
- Density: 650–900 kg/m³.
- Color: Pale pink to reddish-brown, may have resin streaks.
- Best Use: Furniture frames, formwork, beams, flooring.
- Workability: Easier to machine than Bengkirai; may gum up blades due to resin.
- Cost: Around 3–5% cheaper than Bengkirai.
3. Camphor: The Aromatic Interior Choice
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is prized more for its aesthetic and aromatic qualities than for its structural capabilities. It’s soft compared to Bengkirai and Keruing but is widely used in indoor applications.
Key Features:
- Durability: Not suitable for structural or outdoor use.
- Density: 450–600 kg/m³.
- Color: Pale gold with streaks and a beautiful grain.
- Aroma: Naturally fragrant – repels insects and mildew.
- Best Use: Cabinetry, furniture, decorative paneling, chests.
- Workability: Easy to cut, sand, and finish.
- Cost: Cheapest of the three – often 5–8% less than Keruing.
Comparison Table
Feature | Bengkirai | Keruing | Camphor |
Durability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Density (kg/m³) | 700–1,000 | 650–900 | 450–600 |
Outdoor Use | Excellent | Treated Only | Not Suitable |
Workability | Moderate | Easy–Medium | Very Easy |
Appearance | Rich, uniform | Coarse/resinous | Aromatic, figured |
Price | $$$ | $$ | $ |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
- For decks and exposed structural work: Bengkirai is your best option.
- For cost-effective framing or treated outdoor furniture: Keruing balances performance and budget.
- For interior cabinetry,doors or decorative woodwork: Camphor offers beauty and aroma at a great price.
Bengkirai vs Keruing vs Camphor Timber
Feature | Bengkirai | Keruing | Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) |
Botanical Family | Dipterocarpus spp. | Dipterocarpus spp. | Cinnamomum camphora |
Durability | Very durable – termite & decay resistant | Moderately durable – requires treatment | Low to moderate – not for outdoor use |
Hardness | Hard and heavy (700–1,000 kg/m³) | Medium-hard to hard (650–900 kg/m³) | Soft to medium (450–600 kg/m³) |
Stability | Stable, good for structural use | Less stable, may warp | Stable when dry, but soft |
Moisture Content | Kiln-dried for construction use | Often higher moisture; needs seasoning | Typically air-dried, dries easily |
Color | Yellow-brown to reddish brown | Pale pink to reddish-brown | Pale yellow to golden with streaks |
Grain/Texture | Fine, interlocked | Coarser, resinous | Fine to medium, aromatic |
Workability | Tough on blades | Easier but sticky (resin) | Easy to cut, shape, and sand |
Aroma | Neutral | Neutral or resinous | Strong camphor scent |
Common Uses | Decking, outdoor structures | Framing,formwork | Furniture, doors and frames |
Cost | High – premium tropical hardwood | Medium – 3–5% less than Bengkirai | Low to medium – 3–5% less than Keruing |
Outdoor Suitability | Excellent without treatment | Fair with treatment | Not suitable – mainly for interior use |