What Makes Shorea so Valuable?

From: Shorea.org

"The biggest attribute of shorea is undoubtedly the strength of the timber. It’s renowned for its excellent resistance to every day wear and tear. Shorea is extremely durable and tightly grained to produce a desirable density, even more so than teak which is traditionally seen to be the greater luxury and thus slightly more expensive.

The formidable strength of shorea puts it in good stead as the leading hardwood in the light construction industry. This is certainly helped by the fact that it remains unaffected by all variations in weather. A resistance to damp conditions makes shorea extremely competent at combating insect attacks and decay. While the timber isn’t completely free of the effects associated with excessive exposure to dampness, it certainly outlasts its nearest rivals. For example, certain shorea extracts have been obtained underground from European land after a century of being buried, and even after that lengthy exposure to the elements, the shorea has displayed no sign of decay."

The strength and weather resistant properties are what makes shorea a great wood for backyard structures like pergolas and arbors.  Many pergolas and arbors are being sold on the web today made from shorea, and the reviews are showing that this species has superior performance to that of cedar or treated pine.  The domestic woods just don't wear like shorea.