MERANTI

The colour heartwood varies from pale pink to dark red in the light and dark red groups and from white through straw to yellow in the yellow-white groups. Sapwood cannot always be reliably identified by colour difference. The grain is moderately coarse textured with quarter sawn material often displaying an attractive ribbon figure.

Technical Data

  • Species Name: Meranti

  • Botanical Name: Shorea spp., Parashorea spp. Family: Dipterocarpaceae

  • Size and location information: Large trees ranging up to 70 m in height and 1.5 m in stem diameter. Stems usually have moderately large buttresses and straight cylindrical trunks. A tropical rainforest species found throughout South-East Asia and the islands of the South West Pacific region including the Philippines, Indonesia and east Malaysia.

  • Density: 560-705kg/m3 depending on sub species

  • Shrinkage: 5% Radial, 8% tangential

  • Durability: In ground: Class 4 Above ground: Class 4

  • Lyctids Susceptibility: Yes

  • Termite Resistance (AS3660): No

  • Strength Group: S3-6/SD3-6

  • Workability: 1. Machining. Machines reasonably well to a smooth surface. However, some of the lower density species may give a woolly cut if sharp tools are not used. 2. Fixing. No difficulty has been experienced with the use of standard fittings and fastenings. Gluing. Can be satisfactorily bonded using standard procedures. 3. Finishing. Can be painted, stained or polished. However, due to its open grain timber surfaces may need to be filled before finishing.

  • Uses: Decorative. Flooring, panelling, furniture, joinery, mouldings, plywood, turnery, carving.

  • Availability: Mixed species being called meranti or maple are common. Dark red or light red meranti is difficult.