Meranti Timber

Meranti timber is a tropical hardwood native to Southeast Asia, widely valued for its warm tones and commonly used in interior joinery, furniture, and decorative applications.

Key Information About Meranti

Durability:
Meranti has moderate durability, making it ideal for interior use and sheltered outdoor applications. When properly treated, it resists wear and holds up well under normal conditions.
Workability:
Easy to machine and work with hand tools, Meranti accepts nails, glue, and finishes well. Its even grain enables smooth, clean cuts.
Origins:
Native to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Species Type:
Tropical Hardwood

Highlights of Meranti Wood

PROS
High Workability – Easy to machine, cut, and shape with both hand and power tools.
Smooth Finish – Even grain makes it ideal for clean, consistent finishing.
Cost-Effective – More affordable than many premium hardwoods.
Finishing Versatility – Accepts paint, stain, and glue well.
Sustainable Sourcing – Available from FSC and PEFC-certified forests.
Durability

Moderate. Best suited for interior use or sheltered exterior applications

DENSITY

Approx. 400–700 kg/m³ (depending on type)

APPLICATIONS

Doors, windows, furniture, mouldings, panelling, and general joinery.

Applications & Uses of Meranti Timber

INTERIOR JOINERY

Perfect for mouldings, skirting, architraves, and trims, Meranti timber’s smooth surface and consistent grain make it a favourite among craftsmen for detailed interior work.

DOOR & WINDOW FRAMES

Known for its stability and ease of machining, it's a trusted option for building sturdy door and window frames. It holds fasteners well and delivers a clean, polished finish.

FURNITURE MAKING

Its even texture and moderate weight make it ideal for crafting furniture like cabinets, tables, and shelving. It also takes well to staining and painting, offering design flexibility.

PANELING & CEILINGS

Commonly applied for decorative wall paneling and ceiling cladding. Warm tones help elevate interior aesthetics while remaining easy to install.

VENEERS & PLYWOOD

Meranti is often sliced into veneers or used in plywood production due to its workable grain and consistent quality. It’s valued for both its strength and smooth finish.

Bulk order available for Meranti products

Looking to purchase large volumes? Contact our team today to secure competitive pricing and personalised support for your project requirements.

FAQs about Meranti Timber

What is Meranti timber, and where does it come from?
Meranti is a tropical hardwood sourced primarily from Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It’s known for its attractive grain, moderate strength, and workability, making it a popular material for both construction and interior use. Related species like Sapele share similar qualities and uses.
Meranti is classified as a hardwood. Despite its relatively soft texture compared to some other hardwoods, it comes from broad-leaved trees and offers the structural and aesthetic benefits typical of hardwood species.
Meranti timber is commonly categorized into several types such as Light Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, and Yellow Meranti. Each type varies in density, colour, grain pattern, and durability.
Meranti offers moderate durability, especially when used in protected environments. While it’s not as naturally decay-resistant as denser hardwoods like teak or merbau, it performs well with proper treatment and maintenance.
At Maran Timber, we offer a variety of Meranti-based products including engineered wood products such as laminated scantling and fascia boards, as well as solid wood products like kiln-dried lumber. These are designed to meet both structural and aesthetic requirements in construction, joinery, and furniture making.