J is for Jelutong: A lesser-known hardwood
In the vast world of timber, some woods stand boldly in the spotlight, while others fade into the background. Jelutong (Dyera costulata), a lesser-known hardwood from the heart of southeast Asia, is one such hidden gem. Sitting side-by-side with Quebec Yellow Pine and Brazilian Mahogany, Jelutong is a timber that has previously played a huge role in the now-closed engineering workshops. Keep reading to find out its native habitat, uses, sustainability and more.
Is Jelutong a Hardwood or Softwood?
Jelutong is an esteemed hardwood, originating from the captivating landscapes of south-east Asia. Not only does this mean it's more robust and capable of withstanding substantial stresses, but it also contributes to remarkable longevity.Jelutong's designation as a hardwood means that it stands as a testament to nature's intricacies, guaranteeing resilience and offering endless possibilities in the hands of skilled artisans, engineers and craft enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that Jelutong is graded as non-durable unless treated. This means it should be reserved for internal applications where it can thrive without being subjected to the harsh elements.
Jelutong has decreased in popularity in recent years due to the discontinuation of pattern workshops.
What is Jelutong Used For?
Once a cornerstone in the pattern shops of engineering workshops, Jeultongs unique characteristics offer extraordinary dimensional stability, marked by minimal variations in both radial and tangential movement characteristics.This very quality renders it an invaluable asset for various applications. From engineering marvels involving lamination work to serving as a resilient core material in sheet products like laminboard, Jelutong is an incredibly versatile timber.Other advantages of this timber are its uniform appearance, softness, and the ability to carve the wood. This includes the ease of shaping Jelutong across the end grain and forming the negative shape which forms the cast [the drag and the cope] for patterns.Due to it's workability and fine texture, it's characteristics can resemble olive wood. To learn more about olive wood, take a read of our recent blog post: What is Olive Wood? Properties and Uses.
Jelutong derives from south east Asia and is ideal for engineering work, such as lamination.
Where Does Jelutong Wood Come From?
The origins of Jelutong trace back to the lush landscapes of southeast Asia, where it thrives amidst the latex tree family.The tree yields a natural latex when tapped. Usually once the trees are of a certain age they are felled for lumber but until that time they are tapped for the latex, which is a key constituent for rubber products; such as gloves, swimming caps, rubber bands, balloons and a variety of sporting goods. In fact, early chewing gums were latex based!Logs can be quite large, up to 1.50m/2.00m in diameter, and the wood is very easy to machine. Its density is approximately 460/480kgm3 at approximately 12% moisture content.
This timber is rated as non-durable unless treated, so internal use only.The very close grain and attractive light straw yellow/creamy white appearance of Jelutong means it may also be used for veneer. It is great for craft enthusiasts too, denser than Balsa wood, but easily worked and is especially good for picture frame mouldings.A bit of an unsung hero, Jelutong is both beautiful and useful. Perhaps we will see a resurgence in its use and popularity over the coming years.
Your Jelutong Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jelutong Sustainable?
Jelutong's sustainability hinges on responsible sourcing practices. Ethical and environmentally conscious harvesting practices contribute to its overall sustainability. However, it is not listed on the CITES Appendices, therefore is not a species of concern.
Is Jelutong Easy to Carve?
Absolutely! Jelutong's malleability and forgiving nature enables artisans to carve intricate designs and patterns with ease due to its consistent, even grain which rarely includes knots.
Is Jelutong Wood Strong?
Jelutong holds a place in the moderate spectrum of strength when compared to its hardwood counterparts. Its suitability varies based on the specific demands of the intended application. Unless treated, Jelutong is recommended for internal applications where it can thrive without being subject to the harsh elements.
Sourcing Timber in West Sussex
Overall, due to its malleability and sustainability, it's a shame that Jelutong has now faded into the background. We hope that Jelutong's popularity resurges in the coming years as it has a lot to offer. If you require high quality and sustainably sourced timber for an upcoming project in the West Sussex and surrounding areas, please do not hesitate to get in contact with one of our friendly team.
WL West & Sons Ltd is a timber merchant and sawmill business with 150 years of experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
Our wood products, building materials and certified wood are manufactured and sold with the endorsement of forest certification and the Forest Stewardship Council FSC
For more news, tips and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. For entirely finished products, timber supplies or woodworking tools, have a look at our Retail Shop.
WL West Timber is a family-owned sawmill & timber merchant in West Sussex with over 155 years’ industry experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
For more news, tips and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
For entirely finished products, timber supplies or woodworking tools, have a look at our online shop.
