Chengal

Chengal, derived from the wood timber of Neobalanocarpus heimii (Dipterocarpaceae),
is commonly known as penak in Peninsular Malaysia. The ubiquity of the name
CHENGAL is evident as various species have adopted vernacular names associated
with it. This monotypic genus produces straight-boled, robust hardwood,
reaching up to 25 m in height under favourable conditions. Chengal thrives in
diverse environments, from low-lying swamp flats to hills at elevations of
10,000 m ASL, primarily in peninsular Malaysia. The wood timber boasts a high
density of 915-980 kg/m3 air dry, categorising it as Heavy Hardwood.

CHENGAL finds extensive applications in heavy construction,
including railway sleepers, durable furniture, laboratory benches, bridges,
marine structures, boat building, telegraphic and power transmission
components, as well as cross arms. Additionally, it serves in piling, mallets,
heavy traffic flooring, decking, vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards),
fender supports, cooling towers (structural members), and staircases
(balusters, carriages, handrails, newels, risers, stringers, treads, bullnoses,
round ends, and winders). Chengal is also ideal for heavy-duty columns, door
and window frames, sills, tool handles (impact), carving works, and any
application demanding strength and durability.