Balau VS Shisham Sissoo
- Stronger in bending (MOR 138.0 vs 97.5 MPa)
- Close second across most categories
- Solid choice where its profile fits the project
Visual comparison
Winner by category
There isn't one universally best wood — there's a best wood for each purpose.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | Tie |
| Stability | Tie |
| Hardness | Tie |
| Strength (MOR) | Balau |
| Stiffness (MOE) | Balau |
| Flame spread | Tie |
| Machining ease | Tie |
| Lightness | Tie |
Engineering data
| Property | Balau | Shisham Sissoo |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 1700WD lbf | 1660WD lbf |
| Density | 0.78FPL g/cm³ | 0.75WD g/cm³ |
| MOE | 18.0FPL GPa | 10.4WD GPa |
| MOR | 138.0FPL MPa | 97.5WD MPa |
| Durability | Class 2 Durable | Class 2 Durable |
| Stability | Good | Good |
| Fire (E84) | Class B indicative | Class B indicative |
| Radial Shrink | 3.5WD % | 3.1WD % |
| Tangential Shrink | 6.5WD % | 5.3WD % |
| T/R Ratio | 1.86 | 1.71 |
Figures carry the same source status as the species pages they come from — verified where cited, indicative where marked.
Best for
| Application | Recommended | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor decking / pergola | 🥇 Balau | ★★★★☆ |
| Exterior cladding | 🥇 Shisham Sissoo | ★★★☆☆ |
| Flooring / wear surfaces | 🥇 Balau | ★★★★☆ |
| Furniture / interior joinery | 🥇 Shisham Sissoo | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Structural / load-bearing | 🥇 Balau | ★★★★☆ |
Advantages & limitations
Balau
Advantages relative to Shisham Sissoo
- MOR is 138 MPa vs 97.5 MPa, about 42% higher
- MOE is 18.0 GPa vs 10.4 GPa, about 73% higher
Limitations relative to Shisham Sissoo
Shisham Sissoo
Advantages relative to Balau
Limitations relative to Balau
- MOR is 97.5 MPa vs 138 MPa, about 29% lower
- MOE is 10.4 GPa vs 18.0 GPa, about 42% lower
Recommendation
Choose Balau if…
- Decking, marine and freshwater construction, wharves, jetties, bridges, railway sleepers, beams and columns where the higher bending strength and stiffness are what the piece must deliver
- Heavy-traffic flooring and boat framework where structural performance under load is the specification
Choose Shisham Sissoo if…
- Fine furniture, cabinets, decorative carving and turnery where the deep figure and colour are the aesthetic preference and structural stiffness is not the deciding factor
- Interior flooring and turned objects where the hardness is comparable and the working properties suit the piece
Frequently asked questions
Which is more durable, Balau or Shisham Sissoo?
Neither — both carry the same EN 350 rating (Class 2, Durable). For outdoor work the separation is movement, not decay: Shisham Sissoo moves 5.3% tangentially against 6.5%, which decides board width and fixing spacing more than the durability class does.
Which wood is better for outdoor use?
Both are EN 350 Class 2, and tangential movement runs 6.5% for Balau against 5.3% for Shisham Sissoo — close enough that decay resistance will not choose between them, and Shisham Sissoo holds its dimension marginally better. Hardness is effectively level (1,700 vs 1,660 lbf), so choose on supply, length and price.
Is Balau harder than Shisham Sissoo?
Yes — Janka 1700 lbf vs 1660 lbf.