IRON WOOD (Eusideroxylon zwageri)
General
Iron wood (locally named Ulin) or sometimes called "Belian" is an
extremely durable hardwood often used for marine works and heavy
construction works. Since the last 5 years Iron wood has gained an enormous
popularity as a building material for wood houses. The wood is extremely
strong and has a high rated capacity for the use as structural members. The
wood is 100% immune to termite attacks.
Iron wood has a service life time of some 50 to 100 years
in ground contact. Iron wood in the open has a life time of some 80 years,
even when constantly sprayed by sea water. The wood is
therefore an ultimate solution for structures close to open sea.
Appearance
The wood texture of Iron wood is fine and even. The grain is straight
and only slightly interlocked, somewhat lustrous. The wood has a lemon-like
odor that persists. The heartwood is light brown to almost bright yellow
when freshly cut, darkens on exposure to a deep reddish brown to very dark
brown.
Physical properties
Iron wood has a very high strength and durability, is hard and
heavy with high stiffness and shock resistance. Excellent decay
resistance and dimensional stability.
Use
Heavy construction, marine work, boat building, piling,
industrial flooring, roof shingles and house construction
