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.
Indonesia