GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Merbau is widely distributed, mainly in the lowland areas and along rivers.
Sapwood is well-defined and pale yellow in colour. Heartwood is yellowish to orange-brown when fresh, weathering to brown or dark red-brown.
- Grain is interlocked.
- Texture is coarse but even.
- Growth rings are fairly distinct.
- Vessels are moderately large to very large and with simple perforations, very few or few, mainly solitary and occasionally radial pairs and multiples of 3 can be seen; evenly scattered without any arrangement, frequently filled with dark-coloured and sulphur yellow deposits.
Both apotracheal and paratracheal parenchyma are present. Apotracheal parenchyma appears as irregularly spaced terminal bands while paratracheal parenchyma appears as aliform borders around the vessels.
Rays are moderately fine and may be visible on the end and tangential surfaces.
Merbau is a durable timber, but is very difficult to treat.
The growth ring figure and deep colour makes it an attractive wood for decorative work including interior finishing, paneling, strip and parquet flooring, superior joinery, cabinet-making, door and window frames, furniture, veneer, turnery and tool handles.
WORKING PROPERTIES
Planing: Slightly difficult
Finish: Smooth
Boring: Easy
Finish: Smooth
Turning: Easy
Finish: Smooth
Nailing: Very poor
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