Just to be clear
We are aware that Ulin is well known in Indonesia but less so in Europe and beyond. To help bridge that knowledge gap, we created a comparison chart that highlights Ulin’s specifications, numbers, and distinctive features.
Notice that we are comparing up against freshly cut wood. Reclaimed Ulin is known to have even higher scores throughout the chart.
"Time doesn't weaken Ulin.
It makes it stronger."
Premium Hardwood Comparison (Metric)
Density (kg/m³)
Values shown in average at 12% moisture content
Northern pine for reference
Northern pine for reference
Janka Hardness (kN)
In practical terms when use for decking, flooring, construction etc.
Ulin feels harder to the touch and is more resistant to wear and abrasion (walking, dragging furniture) because of its density and silica.
Ipe is more resistant to denting from sharp impacts because of its toughness.
Ulin feels harder to the touch and is more resistant to wear and abrasion (walking, dragging furniture) because of its density and silica.
Ipe is more resistant to denting from sharp impacts because of its toughness.
Durability Class (EN 350)
Naturally resistant. Ulin heartwood is naturally resistant to termites, rot, and fungi without chemical preservative treatment. The extractive compounds that give it this resistance concentrate over the tree's centuries-long growth — and reclaimed boards retain them in full.
Stability (Rating 1-5)
Longer bar = More Stable (Less movement with humidity changes).
Ulin:Extremely stable due to its high density and interlocked grain. It moves very little.
Ipé: Very stable, but slightly more prone to movement than Ulin.
Cumaru: Known to be the least stable of the three. It has a high tendency to warp, twist, and check (crack) as it dries or reacts to moisture changes. This is a critical factor for decking gaps and fastener holding.
Reclaimed Ulin has Decades of in-service seasoning — expanding and contracting through wet and dry seasons, fully dried out by time — produce timber that is more stable and less prone to warping and splitting than freshly cut and kiln-dried lumber. The wood has already done its moving.
Ulin:Extremely stable due to its high density and interlocked grain. It moves very little.
Ipé: Very stable, but slightly more prone to movement than Ulin.
Cumaru: Known to be the least stable of the three. It has a high tendency to warp, twist, and check (crack) as it dries or reacts to moisture changes. This is a critical factor for decking gaps and fastener holding.
Reclaimed Ulin has Decades of in-service seasoning — expanding and contracting through wet and dry seasons, fully dried out by time — produce timber that is more stable and less prone to warping and splitting than freshly cut and kiln-dried lumber. The wood has already done its moving.
Expected Lifespan (Years)
Estimates reflect typical outdoor decking performance. While all three are Class 1 (Very Durable), Ulin's superior resistance to marine borers and extreme decay allows it to outlast Ipé and Cumaro in harsh environments.
Northern Pine is naturally Class 4 (Not Durable) under EN 350. It has no natural resistance to decay or insects. The lifespan shown, 10–20 years applies only to Pressure-Treated or Heat-Treated pine. Untreated pine will rot within 5–10 years outdoors.
Northern Pine is naturally Class 4 (Not Durable) under EN 350. It has no natural resistance to decay or insects. The lifespan shown, 10–20 years applies only to Pressure-Treated or Heat-Treated pine. Untreated pine will rot within 5–10 years outdoors.
Ulin
Ipé
Cumaro
Northern Pine
Data Sources & References
- Density & Hardness: USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) Wood Handbook; ITTO Tropical Timber Database; Chudnoff, M. (1980). Tropical Timbers of the World.
- Durability Class: EN 350-2:2014 (European Standard for natural durability of wood); AWPA (American Wood Protection Association) standards.
- Dimensional Stability: Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) Wood Handbook Chapter 4; European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) guidelines.
- Lifespan Estimates: American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) Use Category System; FAO Forestry Paper 118 (Durability of Wood); Industry warranty data from hardwood decking manufacturers.
- Northern Pine: European Pine Standards (EN 14081); Scandinavian Timber Association data on Pinus sylvestris.
Note: Values represent typical air-dry conditions (12% moisture content). Actual performance may vary based on harvest location, processing methods, and environmental conditions.