Pelajau: Malaysian Wood Supplier – Product Overview
INTRODUCTION
Pelajau, a term originating from Sabah, refers to the wood of Pentaspadon spp. (Anacardiaceae), widely recognized in Malaysia. Known by several local names, including emplangau (Sarawak), kedondong kijau (Peninsular Malaysia), lakacho (Sarawak), pelong (Peninsular Malaysia), as well as umit and uping in Sarawak, this wood species is versatile and significant in Malaysian woodworking.
The major species under the Pelajau name include P. motleyi and P. velutinus. The sapwood is light, with a slight green or yellow-pink tinge, blending subtly into the heartwood, which is typically yellow-green and darkens to a grey-green tone over time.
Pelajau is also recognized in other regions as Oei-nam and Toei-na (Thailand), and in Indonesia as Pelajau.
DENSITY
Pelajau wood is considered fairly hard and moderately heavy, with a density range of 480-835 kg/m³ when air-dried. In Malaysia, Pelajau falls under the category of Light Hardwood.
NATURAL DURABILITY
This wood type exhibits moderate durability when exposed to the elements, making it suitable for a variety of indoor applications.
TEXTURE
The texture of Pelajau wood is fine and even, with shallowly interlocked grain, which gives it a smooth and consistent finish, making it desirable for fine woodworking projects.
STRENGTH PROPERTIES
Pelajau wood belongs to Strength Group D (as per Burgess, 1958) or SG7 (MS 544:Part 2:2001), offering a solid, reliable material for construction and design needs.
MACHINING PROPERTIES
Machining Pelajau wood is relatively easy. It resaws and cross-cuts effortlessly, with planing also being smooth, leaving a fine, even surface.
NAILING PROPERTY
The nailing property of Pelajau wood is rated as poor, which suggests it may not be ideal for heavy nailing applications.
AIR DRYING
Pelajau wood dries at a moderate rate, with slight cupping, bowing, and minor staining sometimes occurring during the drying process. For example, 13 mm thick boards take approximately 3 months to air dry, while 38 mm thick boards require about 4.5 months.
SHRINKAGE
Pelajau wood experiences relatively high shrinkage during drying, with radial shrinkage averaging 2% and tangential shrinkage averaging 3.4%.
USES
Pelajau wood is highly versatile and suitable for a variety of applications, including:
- Interior finishing
- Panelling
- Partitioning
- Mouldings and joinery
- Cabinet making
- Skirtings and flooring
- Plywood production
- Furniture crafting
- Staircase construction (including apron lining, baluster, balustrade, carriage, riser, stringer, tread, bullnose, round end, and winder)
- Other planking works
