
Jelutong
Jelutong (Dyera costulata and Dyera lowii) is a versatile hardwood, renowned for its carving and sculpting capabilities. Its creamy-white to pale straw colouring is often affected by fungi, which is a common occurrence in trees tapped for latex. The sapwood is not distinguishable from the heartwood, and exhibits a straight grain with a fine and even texture, complemented by a slightly glossy finish. Ideal for architectural models, sculptures and other artistic endeavours, Jelutong is a dependable and sustainable timber choice.
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Material Type:
Hardwood
Also Called:
Jelutong Burkit, Jelutong Paya
Durability Notes:
Jelutong is non-durable. The heartwood has a low natural resistance to decay and suffers from sap stain. Jelutong is permeable and easy to treat with preservatives.
Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Jelutong is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Jelutong - It dries easily and quickly with little impact on the grade and quality of the wood, but there is a slight tendency towards checking and distortion. There is only small movement in service. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.
Properties:
Jelutong is very light for a hardwood, it has low bending and crushing strength and very low stiffness. It is rated as poor for steam bending. The wood works easily with both hand and machine tools and has only a slight blunting effect on cutters. Cutting tools must be kept sharp. It screws, sands, nails, glues, planes, polishes and paints well and varnishes and stains very well.
Typical Uses:
Carving, Furniture, Toys, Floats, Musical Instruments, Boatbuilding, Turnery, Model Making, Handles, Dowels.
Moisture Content:
Guide - 12-18% for KD
Possible Health Risks:
Possible contact allergy.
Interesting Facts:
Latex tubes can be found in clusters (0.6-0.9m) apart, but are usually eliminated in conversion.
Commonly asked questions about Jelutong Wood
Is Jelutong a hardwood or a softwood? Jelutong is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Jelutong hardwood or softwood? - Jelutong is a hardwood.
Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Jelutong family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.
What colour is Jelutong? Jelutong can be described as brown, light brown, white/cream (very light brown), yellow/brown, orange,
Is Jelutong good for outdoor use? or is Jelutong good for exterior use? Jelutong is most suited for internal/interior use. Jelutong should not be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).
Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood
WooduWeigh is a real time calculator that uses a wood density algorithm that allows you calculate the weight of any quantity of Jelutong timber. Visit Wooduweigh
If you would like to buy Jelutong or have Jelutong ready to sell then please visit the wood trading section powered by Woodutrade, where you can make timber contacts worldwide. Visit Woodutrade