Sawn Timber in Singapore: Comparison of Common Construction Timber

What is Sawn Timber?

Sawn timber refers to wood that has been cut from logs into usable sections such as planks, beams, or boards. It is widely used in construction due to its strength, versatility, and availability in different species.

In Singapore, sawn timber is commonly used for:

• Structural support

• Formwork and temporary works

• Flooring and decking

• Marine and outdoor applications

Choosing the right type of sawn timber is important to ensure durability, strength, and performance in specific environments.

Common Types of Sawn Timber Used in Singapore

Below is a comparison of commonly used construction-grade sawn timber:

Balau Sawn Timber - Hardwood

Pricing: Moderate High Pricing

Properties:

Hard, heavy and very dense with high bending and crushing strengths. The wood is moderately difficult to work with machines as the interlocked grains and toughness has a blunting effect on tools. It is more difficult to perform nailing or screwing on Balau and gluing results are variable. Very durable.

Applications:

Balau is used for heavy construction, structural use, frames of boats, decking, flooring, and utility furniture. For outdoor applications, it is usually treated with CCA or wood preservative to prevent decay and insect attacks.

Kapur Sawn Timber - Medium Hardwood

Pricing: Moderate Pricing

Properties:

Kapur is moderately hard and heavy. Works moderately well with both hand and machine tools, but is variable in respect of dulling of cutting edges, but on the whole Kapur is slightly better than the average run of Keruing. Cutters should be kept well sharpened to avoid trouble from raised grain and to obtain a smooth finish. Takes nails, screws, stains and polish satisfactorily.

Applications:

Kapur is suitable for general construction: posts, beams, joists, rafters, fender supports, telegraphic and power transmission posts and cross arms. It is used in door and window frames and sills, flooring and internal joinery.

Keruing Sawn Timber - Medium Hardwood

Pricing: Low Pricing

Properties:

Keruing is moderately durable. Keruing timber is horny in cutting across the grain, and whereas straight grained material is capable of clean, slightly fibrous finish in planing and moulding, quarter-sawn, or interlocked-grained material picks up during these operations unless cutting angles are reduced to 20°. The wood stains satisfactorily, but due to the resin, varnishing and polishing require a lot of care. It takes nails and screws reasonably well, but its gluing properties are variable.

Applications:

Keruing timber is used for general construction purposes. Other common uses include protected framing and boards, internal joinery and mouldings, lining, paneling, and framework. Preservative-treated material is used for poles and piles.

Chengal Sawn Timber – Hardwood

Pricing: High Pricing

Properties:

Hard and heavy with high bending and crushing strengths. Chengal works relatively well with machine and hand tools. Takes nails, screws, stains and polish satisfactorily. It is also highly resistant to rot, fungi and mildew.

Applications:

Chengal is used for heavy construction, heavy carpentry, industrial and heavy flooring, bridges and utility furniture. It is suitable to be used for structural applications in renewal of old shophouses.

Summary Comparison Table For The Common Construction Grade Timber

How to Choose the Right Sawn Timber

When selecting sawn timber for construction, consider:

Load Requirements

Use dense hardwoods like Balau or Chengal for heavy structural applications.

Exposure Conditions

For outdoor or wet environments, choose timber with high natural durability.

Budget Considerations

Kapur offers a balance between performance and cost.

Application Type

Different projects require different timber properties—flooring, decking, and structural works all have unique requirements.

Sawn Timber Supplier in Singapore

Plony Industries supplies a wide range of sawn timber in Singapore for construction and industrial applications.

We provide:

• Hardwood sawn timber (Balau, Chengal, Kapur, Keruing)

• Cut-to-size timber and custom dimensions

• Reliable supply for project requirements

Ensuring consistent quality and performance for construction use

Why Sawn Timber is Widely Used in Construction

Sawn timber remains a preferred material due to:

• High strength-to-weight ratio

• Ease of cutting and fabrication

• Versatility across applications

• Availability in multiple species and grades

These advantages make sawn timber suitable for both structural and non-structural uses.

Conclusion

Selecting the right sawn timber is essential for achieving durability, safety, and cost efficiency in construction projects.

Whether you require heavy-duty hardwood or general construction timber, understanding the differences between timber types helps ensure the right choice for your application.

Need Sawn Timber in Singapore?

Looking for a reliable sawn timber supplier in Singapore? Contact Plony Industries for product recommendations and quotation.