Meranti

Description

Dark Red Meranti is sometimes referred to as Red Lauan, wood in the Shorea genus is very commonly used in southeast Asia, and there is an abundance of variety between the difference species: each with different working properties, appearances, and mechanical strength values.

Main groupings for Shorea spp. are: Light Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, Yellow Meranti, and Balau.

Typically a dark reddish or purplish brown; commonly with white resin streaks present.

Grain can be straight or interlocked. With a coarse texture and low natural luster.

Typically easy to work, though any interlocked grain can present problems during planing, and Dark Red Meranti is reported to have very poor steam-bending properties. Some species may have a slight blunting effect on tools due to small levels of silica present in the wood. Glues, stains, and finishes well.

Commonly used for plywood, interior furniture, general construction, concrete forms, veneer, and boatbuilding.