Tropical Hardwoods and Premium Timber Species

At Maran Timber, we specialise in tropical hardwoods and carefully select premium timber species to ensure lasting strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal in every product.

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Tropical Hardwoods

MERANTI

Meranti is a versatile tropical hardwood with straight grain, moderate density, and good workability, commonly used for interior joinery, doors, and general construction.

SAPELE

Sapele is a durable African hardwood valued for its rich reddish-brown colour and interlocked grain, commonly used in high-end furniture, panelling, and cabinetry.

MERBAU

Merbau is a dense and highly durable tropical hardwood with excellent resistance to weather and termites, making it ideal for decking and external applications.

BALAu

Balau is a dense, highly durable hardwood, widely trusted for exterior decking and structural use thanks to its strength and natural resistance to moisture and decay.

SURIAN

Surian (Toona sureni) is a lightweight yet stable tropical hardwood appreciated for its fine texture and ease of use in cabinetry, furniture, and interior finishes.

MERPAUH

Merpauh is a strong and heavy tropical hardwood widely utilised in structural works and marine construction due to its toughness and natural resilience.

MENGKULANG

Mengkulang is a strong and dense hardwood with a straight grain and reddish tone, suitable for joinery and light construction, and improved for exterior use when thermally modified.

KELAT

Kelat is a fine-textured tropical hardwood with moderate durability, suitable for interior and light exterior use when properly finished.

KERUING

Keruing is a strong, moderately durable hardwood commonly used in heavy-duty joinery, flooring, and decking, offering good structural performance.

Temperate Hardwoods

OAK

Oak is a traditional temperate hardwood known for its strength, attractive grain pattern, and long-lasting performance in flooring, furniture, and architectural joinery.

EUCALYPTUS RED GRANDIS

Eucalyptus Red Grandis is a fast-grown, FSC-certified hardwood known for its uniform grain, good workability, and reliable performance in doors, windows, cladding, and furniture applications.

Softwoods

WESTERN RED CEDAR

Western Red Cedar is a lightweight softwood naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for cladding, fencing, and outdoor timber structures.

Sustainable Sourcing of Tropical Hardwoods and Premium Timbers

At Maran Timber, sustainability is built into every step from sourcing raw materials responsibly to practising ethical forest management. We use low-impact logging and source exclusively from PEFC and FSC ® certified forests through trusted, third-party verified suppliers.
With FSC-certified concessions in Malaysia, we ensure full traceability and environmental accountability. Certifications like KOMO ® reflect our commitment to sustainable forestry and the long-term preservation of tropical hardwoods and premium timbers.
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Why Choose Tropical Hardwoods?

EXCEPTIONAL NATURAL DURABILITY
Tropical hardwoods resist termites, decay, and fungi due to their natural oils and dense cellular structure.
HIGH STRENGTH AND LOAD CAPACITY
With superior density and strength, they are ideal for structural applications and heavy-duty use.
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY
Properly kiln-dried tropical hardwoods are less prone to warping, cupping, or splitting in changing climates.
LONG LIFESPAN
These woods can last for decades, often over 30 to 50 years, even in exposed outdoor conditions.
RICH, PREMIUM AESTHETICS
Known for their deep tones and striking grain patterns, they offer a refined finish with timeless appeal.
EXCELLENT WORKABILITY AND FINISH
Tropical hardwoods can be machined, sanded, and polished to a high-quality finish with minimal defects.
LARGE, CLEAR BOARDS AVAILABLE
Sourced from mature trees, tropical hardwoods are available in long, wide boards with fewer knots.
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED OPTIONS
Many species are available from FSC or PEFC-certified forests, supporting responsible forestry practices.

FAQs about Tropical Hardwoods

What is tropical hardwood?
Tropical hardwood refers to timber sourced from broadleaf trees that grow in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. These species are known for their density, durability, and rich grain patterns.
Maran Timber offers a variety of timber products made from sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods. These include kiln-dried lumber, laminated scantling, fascia boards, and Noawood (thermally modified wood).
Tropical hardwoods typically grow faster and are denser than temperate hardwoods, offering greater strength and weather resistance. They also exhibit more varied and vibrant colours due to the climate conditions in tropical regions.
Tropical hardwoods are generally far more durable and dense than softwoods, offering better longevity and structural performance. They require less frequent maintenance and are less prone to warping or rot.
Common tropical hardwood species include Meranti, Sapele, Merbau, Surian, and Merpauh. These are widely used for construction, joinery, and decorative applications.
Yes, many tropical hardwoods are naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects, making them ideal for outdoor applications like decking, cladding, and outdoor furniture.

Not sure which timber suits your project?

Our team is here to help. Get in touch with us for expert recommendations based on your project needs and performance requirements.
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