What is Tali?
Tali is a tropical hardwood that sits in class 1-2 (EN 350) on its own. That makes it right for lasting ground contact (use class GK4, EN 335). At Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel it is used for decking boards, load frames and other outdoor jobs where the wood must stand wet and soil for years. Anyone asking "what is Tali?" is really looking for a low-care option that lasts decades with no extra treat.
In this guide we explain what Tali is, its traits, its uses, the plus and minus and the care. The facts are those that apply to tropical hardwood at Houthandel Jan Sok (KvK 04062841, started 2000, 4,8 stars from 141 plus reviews).
What it is
Tali is a tropical hardwood species that, like Okan, Azobe and Cumaru, is very dense and hard. It needs no extra treat to work outdoors. Softwoods such as Douglas and larch must be treated or placed on concrete pads to survive soil contact. Tali can be used directly in the ground or in lasting contact with water. Its density makes the wood resist rot, fungi and insects by itself. That is a trait it shares with the other tropical hardwood species in the range.
Traits and class
On the EN 350 scale Tali hardwood scores in class 1-2. Class 1 means "very durable" with an expected life of more than 25 years. Class 2 is "durable". For use in lasting ground contact (use class GK4 according to EN 335) this is the correct range. Species in class 3 or lower are not right for it.
Specific strength values (density in kg per m3, bending strength, Brinell hardness) are not published as a fixed number for Tali. They vary a little per batch and origin. What is clear: Tali belongs to the dense tropical hardwood species that keep their function outdoors and in the ground with no treat. In use class it is comparable to Cumaru (class 1-2). Anyone who needs an exact spec for a given frame can ask Houthandel Jan Sok what is in stock.
Uses
Tali is used in the yard mainly in three spots.
Decking boards — terrace, garden path or pool deck where the wood stays in weather and wet.
Load frames — posts, beams and load profiles placed in or on the ground.
General outdoor use — fencing parts, cladding and boundary screens where long life without care is wanted.
If you compare Tali against other hardwood species for decking, read our compare Okan versus Tali for decking boards or the broader decking timber compare.
Plus and minus
Plus
Durable on its own (class 1-2), no extra treat needed. Right for lasting ground contact (GK4). Low care: no yearly treat required for the wood to work. Long life in outdoor frames.
Minus
Heavier and harder than softwood, so working it needs more force and good tools. Less public data than for species such as Okan or Azobe. Anyone needing exact technical values must request them. Greys on its own when left with no oil outdoors. That is only the look, not the structure.
Care
Tali outdoor wood with no oil greys on its own under sun and wet. That change is only the look and does not harm frame strength. Anyone who wants to keep the first colour can oil the wood now and then. Anyone who accepts the grey surface does not need to do anything else. Yearly cleaning with water and a soft brush is enough to lift algae and dirt. Treat is not a must with Tali but a choice.
Common questions
What kind of wood is Tali?
Tali is a tropical hardwood that sits in class 1-2 on its own and is right for lasting ground contact, with no extra treat.
How long does Tali last outdoors?
For class 1-2 hardwood an expected life of more than 25 years applies in outdoor frames. In lasting ground contact Tali is one of the species approved for it.
Is Tali suitable for decking boards?
Yes. Tali is used as decking board for terrace, garden path and pool deck. Compare with Okan and Cumaru in our decking timber compare.
Does Tali need treatment?
No. Tali resists rot, fungi and insects on its own. Oil is only needed if you want to keep the colour. The wood also works without treat.
View the full hardwood range from Houthandel Jan Sok — Tali in stock.