Meranti

Cutting cost $3 per cut. Leaving your cut list at the check out and we will contact you. Or contact us via email or WhatsApp to discuss your needs.

Please contact us for availability of plank sizes. We have several different sizes available (website stock may not be accurate). Better still, come down and have a look at our stock and chat with us for wood advice and application.

Meranti is a versatile hardwood that hails from the Shorea genus, encompassing several species found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Known for its diversity in color and properties, Meranti wood is commonly grouped into categories such as Light Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, and Yellow Meranti, each with its unique characteristics. This broad spectrum makes Meranti a flexible choice for a variety of carpentry and woodworking applications, from construction to furniture making.

Appearance: Meranti wood's appearance varies significantly across its types. Light Red Meranti exhibits a pale pink to reddish-brown hue, while Dark Red Meranti is characterized by a deeper red or purplish-brown color. White Meranti tends to be pale yellow to light brown, and Yellow Meranti features a more pronounced yellow to orange hue. Generally, Meranti has a straight or slightly interlocked grain, with a coarse, uneven texture that contributes to its natural appeal. The wood’s surface may also display a subtle luster, enhancing its visual richness.

Characteristics & Properties: Meranti is moderately heavy and offers a good balance of strength and durability, particularly the Red Merantis. While not as hard or dense as some other hardwoods, it still provides sufficient resistance to wear and decay for many applications. However, its durability can vary depending on the specific type and exposure conditions, with some varieties being more suitable for indoor or sheltered outdoor uses. Meranti has moderate resistance to insects and fungal attacks, but treatments can enhance its resilience when necessary.

Workability: Meranti is generally easy to work with due to its moderate hardness, allowing for smooth cutting and machining with both hand tools and machinery. It nails, screws, and glues well, making it a user-friendly option for a variety of projects. However, its density and grain pattern can sometimes cause blunting of tools, and interlocked grains may lead to tearouts if tools are not kept sharp. Despite these minor challenges, Meranti finishes well, accepting paints, stains, and varnishes effectively to achieve a desirable aesthetic.

Applications: Meranti's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of uses. It is commonly employed in construction for doors, windows, and framing, thanks to its workability and decent durability. In furniture making, Meranti is appreciated for its aesthetic qualities, particularly in pieces where the natural wood grain is highlighted. Additionally, its ease of machining and good dimensional stability make it a preferred choice for molding, cabinetry, and veneer. For outdoor applications, such as decking and boatbuilding, the more durable varieties of Meranti are chosen for their resistance to moisture and decay.

In conclusion, Meranti wood offers a practical and attractive solution for a multitude of carpentry and woodworking projects. Its wide range of types accommodates various aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, making it a popular choice among professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether for structural applications, fine furniture, or decorative finishes, Meranti provides a versatile and cost-effective material option