Lumber
Meranti lumber
Meranti is a stable, easy-to-work reddish hardwood from Southeast Asia. In its dark red and light red types it is widely used for windows, doors, joinery and panelling.
| Typical thickness | 50 · 80 · 100 mm |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Shorea spp. |
| Origin | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Types | Dark red · Light red |
| Other names | Seraya, Nemesu, Red lauan |
| Natural durability (fungi) | Dark red: class 2–4 · Light red: class 3–4 |
Grades and forms
What is meranti?
Meranti is the common trade name of Shorea species from Southeast Asia, mainly Malaysia and Indonesia, also known as seraya and lauan. It is sorted by colour and weight; the two most used types are dark red meranti (nemesu) and light red meranti.
Characteristics
- Dark red meranti: red-brown to deep red, heavier and more durable; preferred for windows and exterior joinery.
- Light red meranti: pinkish light red and lighter in weight; used for interior joinery, panelling and plywood.
Both have a medium texture and a markedly interlocked grain that shows a ribbon figure on quarter-sawn faces. Once dry they are stable, saw easily and glue well, which makes meranti one of the most common raw materials for laminated window profiles.
Durability
Dark red meranti is durable to poorly durable against fungi, light red meranti moderately to poorly durable. Outdoors it is used with a protective paint or varnish.
Where is it used?
- Windows, doors and exterior joinery
- Laminated window profiles
- Interior joinery, architraves and mouldings
- Wall panelling and exterior cladding
- Furniture, plywood and veneer
Price and availability
We give prices and current availability by phone. Tell us the thickness, grade and quantity and we will call you back. Just tell us the type (dark or light red). For an African alternative see African mahogany (khaya).
Quote
Request a quote
Request a quoteTell us the species, grade and size and we will call you back. Prices and availability are given by phone.