Discover the Meranti Wood

A Guide to Meranti Wood Properties

Meranti is not a single species but a group of species from the Shorea genus. This group is typically categorized into different types based on the timber’s color and density, which directly influence its properties and best uses. Understanding these properties is key to selecting the right Meranti for your requirements.

Key Properties of Meranti Wood:

Color and Appearance:
Meranti heartwood color varies significantly by type, ranging from pale pink or light red-brown (Light Red Meranti) to darker red-browns (Dark Red Meranti). Yellow Meranti has a yellowish hue, while White Meranti is lighter, becoming yellowish-brown upon exposure. The sapwood is generally lighter and less durable.

Grain and Texture:
Meranti typically exhibits a moderately coarse and even texture. The grain can be straight but is often interlocked, which can affect machining. Resin canals are a noticeable feature in many Meranti species.

Density: Meranti woods are generally classified as Light to Medium Hardwoods, with air-dry densities typically ranging from 400 kg/m³ to 885 kg/m³. Dark Red Meranti is usually denser than Light Red Meranti.

Strength: Meranti timbers generally fall into Strength Group C or SG 5. Specific strength values (Modulus of Rupture, Elastic Modulus, Crushing Strength) vary by species and density. While not as strong or hard as some dense hardwoods, Meranti offers sufficient strength for many structural and non-structural applications.

Durability and Resistance:
The natural durability of Meranti is typically rated as moderately durable, particularly the darker, denser types like Dark Red Meranti. Lighter types have lower natural durability and are more susceptible to decay and insect attack, especially in exposed conditions. Meranti heartwood shows moderate resistance to decay but sapwood is vulnerable. Some types contain silica, offering limited resistance to marine borers but can dull tools.

Workability:
Meranti is generally considered easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It saws, planes, and machines well, although interlocked grain can sometimes cause planing difficulties or tear-out. It glues, stains, and finishes effectively, though filling the open grain is recommended for a smooth finish. Nailing and screwing properties are good, but pre-drilling is advised to prevent splitting, especially near edges.

Drying and Stability: Meranti dries relatively quickly with minimal degrade. It shows moderate stability in service, but movement can occur with changes in moisture content.

Trusted B2B Timber Supplier for Furniture & Interior Applications

At Kear Heng Timber Sdn Bhd, we specialize in the supply of Meranti wood — a versatile hardwood widely used across Southeast Asia in furniture making, interior joinery, and plywood manufacturing. As a recognized timber supplier based in Malaysia, we serve both local and international B2B clients with quality-assured Nyatoh timber products.  We comply with export documentation, sustainable sourcing, and custom B2B packaging requirements.