Shropshire Building Supplies keeps both Dark Red Meranti and Sapele hardwoods in stock at Leebotwood branch, but all branches have access to a range of different hardwoods, both FSC and PEFC certificated. There are certain peoperty details on both of these hardwoods below, but the best way to order or enquire is to give us a “cutting list” (list of the sizes you need) and we will find the most efficient sizes in stock to source the list from and select it for you.
Meranti
Malaysian dark red Meranti varies in colour from pale pink / white to dark red / purple. The density can also vary substantially as there are numerous sub-species.
|
|
It is generally easy to machine, and imported grade is mainly Selects & better.
Occasionally Meranti is affected by ambrosia beetle (visible as pinhole) when logs have been lying in tropical forests, but are killed off in kilning process.
Often used as a false ‘mahogany’ for products such as windows, conservatories and doors.
Thicknesses in stock 1″, 2″ & 3″. Widths 4″ – 12″, mainly 6″ – 8″. Lengths 7′ – 18′ ,average about 12′.
Working Properties
- Easy to work with hand and machine tools
- Good nailing and gluing properties
- Smooth finishes but some tearing of interlocked grain
- Takes finishes well
- Moderately slow drying with a tendency to warp, thick material may check and end split
- Little movement in performance
Physical Properties
- Average overall strength and hardness
- Stable
- Durable
- Heartwood is moderately durable
- In general, Meranti is naturally resistant to decay and insects, where as Sapwood is liable to attack by powder-post beetle
- Not resistant to marine borers
- Generally rated as resistant to preservative treatments, sapwood reported to be moderately resistant to permeable, varying with species
Main Uses
- Veneer and plywood
- Joinery
- Flooring
- Furniture and cabinetwork
- General construction
- Boatbuilding