Malaysian Meranti
INTRODUCTION
The Standard Malaysian Name for the dark red and lightweight timber of the genus Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae). The sapwood is pink with a grey tinge and is not clearly defined from the heartwood, which is medium red to deep red to deep red-brown.
Colors:
Meranti is available in two colors namely Red Meranti and Yellow meranti with different densities.
DENSITY
The timber is a Light Hardwood with a density of 415-885 kg/m3 air dry.
NATURAL DURABILITY
Dark red meranti as moderately durable The sapwood of dark red meranti is susceptible to dry-wood termite attacks, which may eventually spread to the heartwood. However, an initial invasion of the heartwood is less likely to occur.
PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT
The timber is difficult to treat with preservatives. Generally, it was found that all forms of meranti (including dark red meranti) absorb less preservatives.
TEXTURE
Texture is moderately coarse and even, with interlocked grain.
MACHINING PROPERTIES
It is easy to saw and work and produces a smooth planed surface.
NAILING PROPERTY
The nailing property is rated as good.
USES
The timber is suitable for joinery, furniture, high class interior finishing, flooring, decking, panelling, partitioning, mouldings, skirtings, fancy doors, door and window frames and sills, staircase (angle blocks, rough bracket and tread), plywood, railway sleepers, posts, beams, joists, rafters, pallets (expendable type), vehicle bodies (framework, floor boards and planking), ship and boat building (keels, keelsons, framework and general planking), cooling tower (non structural members) and other light constructional works.
