MERANTI (Shorea spp.)
Common Names: Meranti, Philippine Mahogany, Lauan, Seraya
Origin: Southeast Asia — primarily Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines

Description:
Meranti is a widely known and versatile tropical hardwood, sourced from several species within the Shorea genus. It is categorized into several subtypes based on density and color — Light Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, and Yellow Meranti — with Dark Red Meranti (DRM) being the most commercially valued for structural and joinery purposes.

Meranti offers a favorable balance of affordability, workability, and aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent material for interior joinery, furniture, veneers, plywood, moldings, and light construction. Its moderate durability and fine grain make it ideal for indoor and protected-use applications.

Technical Specifications (Typical for Dark Red Meranti)

Color & Appearance

• Heartwood: Light to dark reddish-brown; Dark Red Meranti has a deeper, richer tone

• Sapwood: Pale yellow to light pinkish-white, not always clearly demarcated

• Grain: Typically interlocked

• Texture: Medium to coarse, with moderate natural luster

• Figure: May show ribbon or stripe when quarter-sawn

Common Applications

• Interior joinery and moldings

• Plywood and blockboard face veneers

• Doors, frames, windows, and staircases

• Furniture and cabinetry

• Shopfitting and commercial interiors

• General construction (non-structural or protected)

Sustainability & Certification

Meranti species are heavily harvested and thus subject to sustainability scrutiny. Timber Experts Global Holdings sources Meranti exclusively from legal and certified concessions, with FSC®, PEFC™, or SVLK (Indonesia’s Timber Legality Assurance System) documentation available on request. Compliance with EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and Lacey Act (US) is guaranteed.