The timber Meranti (genus Shorea) is often referred to as Pacific Maple and for many years has been used to produce mouldings and joinery, being similar to light red Philipine Mahogany. The timber is a light hardwood with density ranging from 385-755kg/m3. The sapwood is lighter in colour, usually with a greyish tinge and is distinct from the heartwood, which is light pink to light red or light brown. Texture is coarse but even, with interlocked grains. The wood is easy to saw and work and produces a smooth planed surface. The nailing property of most species tested is rated good. The timber is not durable under exposed conditions.

Applications and Uses:

The timber is very popular as a general utility timber, being suitable for furniture manufacture, interior finishing, panelling, partitioning, mouldings, skirtings etc. The timber is also suitable for veneer and plywood manufacture.