CHENGAL

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Neobalanocarpus heimii (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names applied include penak (Peninsular Malaysia). The name CHENGAL (CENGAL) is so popular, that many other species have been given vernacular names bearing the name CHENGAL. Neobalanocarpus is a monotypic genus. CHENGAL are straight-boled, large hardwood attaining 25 m in height on good sites. Chengal predominantly occurs in peninsular Malaysia under a wide range of conditions from low-lying swamp flats to hills at 10 000 m ASL. The timber is a Heavy Hardwood with a density of 915-980 kg/m3 air dry.

CHENGAL is suitable for all forms of heavy construction, railway sleepers, heavy duty furniture, laboratory benches, bridges, marine construction, boat building, telegraphic and power transmission posts and cross arms, piling, mallets, flooring (heavy traffic), decking, vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards), fender supports, cooling towers (structural members), staircase (balusters, carriages, handrails, newels, risers, stringers, treads, bullnoses, round ends and winders), columns (heavy duty), door and window frames and sills, tool handles (impact), carving works and other uses where strength and durability are required.