Lumber
Merbau lumber
Merbau (kwila) is a hard, very stable dark red-brown hardwood from Asia. It keeps its shape for years in flooring, decking, stairs and exterior joinery.
| Typical thickness | 50 · 80 · 100 mm |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Intsia bijuga, Intsia palembanica |
| Origin | Southeast Asia and the Pacific |
| Other names | Kwila, Ipil |
| Density (12% MC) | ≈ 830 kg/m³ |
| Natural durability (fungi) | Class 1–2 (very durable to durable) |
Grades and forms
What is merbau?
Merbau is the trade name of Intsia bijuga and Intsia palembanica, which grow in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands; in the Pacific it is known as kwila.
Characteristics
Freshly cut heartwood is orange-brown and turns a dark red-brown over time. Its pores contain yellow mineral deposits, which make merbau easy to recognise. It has a coarse texture and a straight to slightly interlocked grain, at about 830 kg/m³. Once dry it moves very little, which makes it ideal for flooring and decking. Outdoors it can bleed a dark extract in the first rains, so take care near light-coloured surfaces at first.
Durability
Very durable to durable against fungi and moderately durable against termites.
Where is it used?
- Solid and industrial flooring
- Decking and exterior joinery
- Interior stairs and handrails
- Furniture, cabinetmaking and turning
- Bridges and outdoor structures
Price and availability
We give prices and current availability by phone. Tell us the thickness, grade and quantity and we will call you back. For a similar African species see doussié lumber.
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Request a quoteTell us the species, grade and size and we will call you back. Prices and availability are given by phone.