By the Malaysian Timber Council | Photos by the Malaysian Timber Council
Timber is both bold and beautiful. Embellish it and it gives you a rustic charm that speaks volumes about its character.
As a natural material, the rustic charm and warmth of wood is unmatched in almost everything.
Nothing beats the look and feel of something as natural as timber. A timeless beauty, timber has been changing design landscapes [for hundreds of years]; and products such as mouldings and builders’ joinery and carpentry (BJC) are add-ons which provide a luxurious visual feast.
Malaysia is a major producer and exporter of mouldings and BJC products like wooden cornices, wainscoting, dado rails, doors and frames, windows and frames, flooring, decking, picture frames and laminated beams.
Skillfully finished, these Malaysian products are made from the finest of timbers, which are sourced sustainably, offer reliability and style. This is the reason Malaysian wood mouldings and BJC products are much sought-after by those in the construction industry which include hotels, resorts, theme parks, temples, houses and office buildings as well as for the production of furniture, doors, windows, outdoor and marine applications for ships and boats.
Malaysian manufacturers are also held in high regard thanks to their versatility in customising designs with various timbers such as meranti, gerutu, kempas, balau, merbau, bintangor, merpauh and rubberwood as well as meeting shipment requirements. Buyers are assured that the mouldings and BJC products they import from Malaysia are backed by years of R&D, strict regulations and strong support from established government institutions like the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Forestry Department, Malaysian Timber Industry Board and Malaysian Timber Council.
Timber mouldings – a good fit
When every detail counts, precisely crafted timber mouldings will beautifully transform any interior setting. For centuries, quality timber mouldings have enhanced the appearance of homes and even office buildings around the world. Decorative mouldings such as architraves, wainscoting, cornices, dado rails, base boards, aprons, dowels, jambs, louvers, wall claddings and skirtings are the premier choice of architects, interior designers and discerning artisans.
The timber mouldings are machined to specifications using the latest technology to ensure superior finishing and quality. Some manufacturers provide additional services such as veneer-wrapping and lamination, while others use experienced craftsmen who provide an added touch to these products. Malaysian mouldings made from timbers such as bintangor, jelutong, keruing, meranti, sepetir, merbau, nyatoh and rubberwood are exported mainly to Japan, Australia, the US and Europe.
Timber doors – for a grand entrance
A breathtaking design for a door can become a conversation piece. Timber doors have been the preferred choice of the discerning and many contemporary designs showcase its
Beautiful and practical, hardwood flooring adds flair to any space including showrooms, offices and homes.
primary qualities such as its sturdiness, beauty and warmth. Malaysian timber doors, which are sought-after globally, are available in a variety of species, designs, sizes and specifications.
Using state-of-the-art technology, Malaysian manufacturers are well-placed to serve customers globally, whether they are small orders of custom-made doors or large orders of standard products. Beautifully glazed, panelled, solid or engineered timber doors, all these and more are on the manufacturers’ list.
Dark red meranti, nyatoh, kembang semangkok, balau, merpauh and merbau are among the timbers used while some doors are also overlaid with popular foreign species like oak, walnut, cherry and makore as well as reconstituted veneer.
Hardwood flooring – for a firm footing
Hardwood flooring is like a perfect marriage between practicality and beauty. Traditional timber flooring is built to endure years of wear and tear. It is also remarkably easy to install and maintain a wooden floor.
Malaysian timbers are widely used to construct floors which are commonly found in homes, offices, showrooms, indoor sports arena and restaurants, among others. Wood’s excellent thermal insulating property makes it an ideal flooring material and it is also hypo-allergenic which provides a healthier living environment. Species such as kempas, merbau, rubberwood, kekatong and keranji as timber flooring material can provide both a rugged and burnished look.
Malaysian hardwood flooring is exported to the EU, USA, Australia and Japan. Buyers may choose between conventional solid strip as well as parquet or engineered flooring. Enjoy the long-lasting beauty, warmth and endurance that come with timber flooring made by reputed Malaysian manufacturers.
Hardwood decking – a classy choice
If you are out to mimic a luxurious appearance, opt for a timber deck. Few materials can match the beauty and practicality of timber decks which also provide a quick facelift and are easy to install unlike concrete, brick, stone, ceramic tiles or metal, which require elaborate, time-consuming foundation work.
Timber effortlessly complements all surroundings. Its flexibility gives landscape artists the freedom to incorporate enhancements such as handrails, balustrades, pergolas, screens and gazebos.
Malaysian timbers such as balau, belian, giam, chengal, merbau and dark red meranti are the best hardwoods for decking because of their durability and distinctive grains. Timber decks from Malaysia have upped the luxury quotient of many world class resorts throughout the globe including those in Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Though timber decks are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance, it is crucial to pay close attention to its design, specifications and proper construction or installation. While it is important to select naturally durable wood or wood that has been pressure-treated with preservatives for long-term durability, it is equally important to apply good detailing and construction practices. To improve slip resistance, the use of textured or grooved boards are also recommended.
