Merbau wood is a hardwood species that is known for its strength, durability, and unique color and texture. It is primarily found in Southeast Asia and Australia, with its natural range extending from East Africa to New Guinea.
Merbau is highly resistant to rotting, insect attack, and decay, which makes it an ideal choice for outdoor use. It is commonly used for flooring, furniture, musical instruments, turned objects, and other specialty wood items.
However, there are sustainability concerns regarding Merbau, as it is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction and exploitation.
About Merbau wood
- Common Name(s): Merbau, Kwila, Ipil
- Scientific Name: Intsia spp. (I. bijuga, I. palembanica)
- Distribution: From East Africa to Southeast Asia and Australia;
(primarily New Guinea) - Tree Size: 130-200 ft (40-60 m) tall, 4-5 ft (1.2-1.5 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 51 lbs/ft3 (815 kg/m3)
- Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .68, .82
- Janka Hardness: 1,840 lbf (7,620 N)
- Modulus of Rupture: 21,060 lbf/in2 (145.2 MPa)
- Elastic Modulus: 2,310,000 lbf/in2 (15.93 GPa)
- Crushing Strength: 10,650 lbf/in2 (73.4 MPa)
- Shrinkage: Radial: 2.9%, Tangential: 4.8%, Volumetric: 8.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
Advantages of Merbua
- Durable: Merbau is highly resistant to rotting, insect attack, and decay, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use.
- Strength: Merbau is an extremely strong and hard wood, with a Janka hardness rating of 1,840 lbf, which makes it highly suitable for use in applications where strength is important, such as flooring and furniture.
- Stability: Merbau is known for its excellent dimensional stability, which means that it is less likely to shrink or expand due to changes in humidity and temperature.
- Aesthetics: Merbau has a unique color and texture, which ranges from orangish-brown to dark reddish-brown, and a moderate natural luster, making it an attractive choice for interior and exterior design.
- Availability: Merbau is available in ample widths and lengths when it is offered, and prices should be moderate for an imported hardwood.
Disadvantages of Merbua
- Difficult to work: Merbau can be challenging to saw due to gumming and dulling of teeth, and it can be difficult to machine or sand because of its hardness.
- Allergies: Merbau has been associated with mild allergic reactions, with skin irritation and a runny nose being the most common symptoms.
- Sustainability concerns: Merbau is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 20% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range and exploitation.
- Staining: Merbau contains yellow mineral deposits that are water-soluble and can cause staining, which may be a concern for some applications.
- Unique odor: Merbau has a distinct odor when being sawed or sanded, which can be irritating and cause sneezing.
