Properties and Uses

Dammar minyak

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Agathis spp. (Araucariaceae). It is a softwood timber with a density of 360–660 kg m^-3 air dry. The sapwood is not differentiated from the heartwood, which is buff or cream, sometimes with a pink tinge and darkens into a light golden brown. Texture is very fine and even, with straight grain. The timber is weak (Strength group D). It is easy to resaw and cross-cut. Planing is easy and the planed surface is smooth and lustrous. Nailing property is rated as excellent. The timber seasons fairly slowly with slight cupping, bowing, end-checking, splitting, insect and fungal attacks as the main sources of degrade. 13 mm boards take approximately 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 5 months. Shrinkage is moderate, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.2% and tangential shrinkage averaging 2.5%. The movement of seasoned timber is classified under Type I. The timber is non-durable but is easy to treat with preservatives.

USES: The timber is highly prized as an interior finishing timber and is suitable for panelling, high-class joinery, fancy veneers and plywood, furniture, drawing boards and pattern making.

Vernacular names applied include bindang (Sar.), bulok (Sar.), bulu (Sar.), kayu jadi (Sar.), Malayan kauri (P.M.), manggilan (Sab.), Sabah agathis (Sab.), salang (Sab.), tumu (Sar.), tangilan (Sab.), tungilan (Sab.), tubu (Sar.) and tumuh (Sar.). Major species include A. borneensis, A. endertii, A. flavescens, A. kinabaluensis, A. lenticula and A. orbicula.