Last week, a European client inquired about TALI decking. I was truly fortunate that a Chinese friend's factory also shared photos of their kiln-dried (KD) TALI decking, processed to S6S and E8E specifications. Seeing the photos, I genuinely loved the product from the bottom of my heart. As an excellent wood for outdoor decay-resistant applications, TALI is widely popular in markets like Vietnam, China, Europe, and India.
For this product, quarter sawing is essential to achieve a straight-grained surface, which provides enhanced stability. Currently, SHD's factories in DRC and RCONGO both supply TALI sawn timber, each with distinct characteristics.
The TALI from DRC is particularly unique: it has higher hardness, a darker color with a greenish base tone and black grain patterns. In addition to its use in decoration projects, its color and grain characteristics make it suitable for crafting classical Chinese and Vietnamese furniture. Consequently, it is highly favored by clients in China and Vietnam. Below are some photos of the sawn timber for reference. Additionally, the DRC factory can produce S6S and E8E products and provide complete legal traceability documentation. However, for the next six months, they can only supply AD (Air-Dried) products and cannot provide KD (Kiln-Dried) products.
The TALI from the RCONGO factory tends to exhibit the more traditional TALI coloration: a yellowish base tone with brown grain patterns. The RCONGO factory can produce S2S and KD products but cannot achieve S4S or E4E specifications.
From the perspective of market applications and wood properties, African TALI is an excellent substitute for Indonesian Merbau. It offers comparable characteristics, abundant sourcing origins, higher cost-effectiveness, and fewer export restrictions on dimensions.
In the following section, we will also share some characteristics of TALI to help everyone better understand the properties of this wood.
TALI is an exceptional tropical hardwood, highly regarded in applications like outdoor decking, patios, and docks. It is prized for its outstanding durability and unique visual appeal.
Here is a detailed analysis of TALI's properties as an outdoor decking material:
Exceptional Durability and Rot Resistance
Natural Resistance: TALI heartwood has a very high natural resistance to decay, fungi, and termite attack. According to the European Durability Standard (EN 350-1), its heartwood is classified as Class 1 (Very Durable), placing it in the same category as famous woods like Iroko and Ekki. This means a service life of over 25 years in outdoor conditions, even in direct ground contact.
Versatile Applications: It is perfectly suited for damp, decay-prone environments such as garden decks, poolside boardwalks, and waterfront docks.
Outstanding Hardness and Strength
High Density and Hardness: TALI has a very high Janka Hardness of 16,370 N. This makes it extremely resistant to wear, abrasion, and scratching, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and the moving of outdoor furniture.
Structural Stability: Its high density also contributes to excellent structural strength and compressive strength, making it a very stable and reliable decking material.
Good Dimensional Stability
Compared to many other woods, TALI has a relatively low shrinkage and swelling rate when exposed to alternating wet and dry conditions. This lowers the risk of excessive gapping or warping after installation, helping the deck remain flat and stable over the long term.
Unique Visual Appeal
Color: The heartwood has a very distinctive color, ranging from yellow-brown to reddish-brown with darker streaks, creating a beautiful contrasting grain. Over time, when exposed to sunlight, it will weather to an elegant silvery-gray patina.
Grain: The grain is typically interlocked and sometimes wavy, with a coarse but even texture, giving the deck a natural, rustic, and textured appearance.
Difficult to Work
Challenge: Due to its extreme hardness, density, and blunting effect on tools, sawing, drilling, and machining TALI can be difficult. Carbide-tipped tools are essential.
Solution: It is recommended that processing and installation be handled by an experienced professional team. Pre-drilling for fasteners is necessary.
Naturally Oily, Requires Pre-Treatment for Finishing
Challenge: The wood contains natural oils that can interfere with the adhesion and drying of some standard water-based or oil-based coatings if applied directly.
Solution: Before applying any outdoor oil or paint, it is advisable to wipe the surface with acetone or a specialized wood cleaner to remove surface oils, ensuring optimal finishing results.
Very Heavy Weight
Challenge: TALI's high density makes the material very heavy, which can complicate transportation and on-site handling.
Solution: This must be considered during planning and construction to ensure the substructure has adequate load-bearing capacity.
Color Variation and Mineral Streaks
Challenge: As a natural wood, there can be some color variation and the presence of mineral streaks (dark lines), which is normal. Those seeking a completely uniform color may need to select boards carefully.
Solution: This is often considered part of its natural beauty. You can communicate with your supplier about the color range of the batch or do a test layout before installation to achieve the desired visual effect.
Maintenance and Care
Initial Care: After installation, to maintain its original warm色调, it is recommended to promptly apply a high-quality, dedicated outdoor hardwood oil. Oiling can slow down the graying process caused by UV rays.
Long-Term Maintenance: If you choose to let it weather naturally, it will develop a uniform silvery-gray patina, which also has its own charm. Regular cleaning (e.g., with a pressure washer) is sufficient. If you wish to restore the color, the deck can be sanded and re-oiled.
Feature | TALI | Ipê | Bangkirai |
Durability | Very Durable (Class 1) | Very Durable (Class 1) | Durable (Class 1-2) |
Hardness | Extremely High (>16,000 N) | Extremely High (~16,000 N) | High (~11,000 N) |
Stability | Good | Very Good | Good |
Workability | Difficult | Difficult | Moderately Difficult |
Color | Yellow/Red Brown, Dark Streaks | Olive Brown to Dark Brown | Yellow Brown, ages to Grey-Brown |
Price | Typically High-End | High-End | Mid to High-End |
TALI is a top-tier outdoor decking material. It combines ultimate durability, superior hardness, and unique aesthetic value. If you are looking for a "once-and-for-all," nearly everlasting outdoor decking material and have the budget for it, TALI is an excellent choice worth considering. Its main drawback—difficult workability—is manageable for professional installers. The final result, whether it's the splendor of a new installation or the weathered elegance of an aged deck, is highly attractive.
------Reported byMIKE ZHU, [SHD]
