Basralocus vs. Greenheart
Basralocus vs. Greenheart: Which Timber Is Better for Marine Piling?
A detailed comparison of two high-performance tropical hardwoods for marine and foundation construction.
Introduction
In marine construction and waterfront engineering, choosing the right timber for piling can significantly affect durability, performance, and cost. Two premium hardwood species often used in pile foundations are Basralocus timber and Greenheart wood.
Both species are recognized for their natural resistance to decay, strength in wet environments, and long-term reliability. But depending on your specific project — from bridge foundations to marine fender systems — one may suit your needs better than the other.
What Are Basralocus and Greenheart?
| Property | Basralocus Timber | Greenheart Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Dicorynia guianensis | Chlorocardium rodiei |
| Form Available | Round logs and sawn timber | Mostly sawn timber |
| Origin | Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana | Guyana |
| Use in Marine Piling | Commonly used as round logs for piling and fender systems | Primarily used in sawn form for structural marine applications |
Strength & Structural Properties
| Property | Basralocus Timber | Greenheart Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Density (air dry) | 850–950 kg/m³ | 1000–1100 kg/m³ |
| Bending Strength | ~120 MPa | ~140–160 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~20,000 MPa | ~25,000 MPa |
Greenheart wood offers greater strength and stiffness, making it ideal for the most demanding marine environments. However, Basralocus timber provides a strong and practical alternative, especially for piling in rivers, ports, and estuarine zones.
Durability in Marine and Saltwater Conditions
| Use Case | Basralocus | Greenheart |
|---|---|---|
| Saltwater Resistance | Excellent | Superior |
| Marine Borer Resistance | Very Good | Exceptional |
| Wet Soil & Ground Contact | High Durability | High Durability |
Greenheart wood is known for its almost unmatched performance in high-salinity and tidal environments. Basralocus timber, while slightly less resistant, is still a highly durable option for coastal and riverine piling.
Round Logs vs. Sawn Timber for Marine Piling
One major advantage of Basralocus is that it is commonly exported and used in round log form. This reduces milling waste and preserves fiber integrity, which is critical for marine piling applications.
Greenheart is almost always supplied as sawn timber, making it less versatile for certain types of driven piles or untreated foundations.
Workability, Availability, and Sustainability
| Factor | Basralocus | Greenheart |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Compatibility | Moderate hardness, easier to work | Very dense, hard on tools |
| FSC Certification | Readily available with certification | Limited FSC-certified supply |
| Export Availability | Consistent from Suriname & Guyana | More restricted supply |
Recommended Use Cases
| Project Type | Preferred Timber |
|---|---|
| High-load marine foundations | Greenheart |
| Fender systems, guide piles, and dolphins | Basralocus |
| Projects requiring round logs | Basralocus |
| Eco-sensitive or FSC-certified construction | Basralocus |
| Bridges, quay walls, and piers | Both — depending on specification |
Conclusion
Both Basralocus timber and Greenheart wood are proven materials for marine piling and foundation projects. Your selection depends on specific project needs, budget, environmental exposure, and sustainability goals.
- Choose Greenheart when the highest structural strength and maximum durability in saltwater are non-negotiable.
- Choose Basralocus for round log applications, certified sourcing, and broader availability for marine piling at competitive cost.
Looking for high-quality Basralocus round logs or Greenheart timber? We export certified marine-grade hardwoods directly from Suriname and Guyana for projects worldwide.
Contact us today at info@exoticwoodsource.com for availability, specifications, and export terms.
