Red Meranti
Red Meranti-Shorea Curtsii also known as sereya, frequently called phillippine mahogany which is not mahogany at all, red lauan and so on. This species is commonly popular as red meranti which is native to Indonesia and also be found in Phillippines.
Red Meranti is a dark reddish-brown with white resin streaks having a coarse texture. It has gained world-wide commercial importance. As veneer, much of it becomes plywood panelling, hollow-core doors, etc. This is a moderately durable timber, commonly used for interior furniture, cabinets, plywood, construction, and joinery products. in lumber form, it is transformed into light structural framing, trim, moldings, and low-cost furniture.
Red Meranti
Common name : Dark Red Meranti, Lauan, Philippine Mahogany
Scientific name : Shorea spp.
Distribution : Southeast Asia
Tree Size : 65-130 ft (20-40 m) tall, 3-6 ft (1-2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight : 42 lbs/ft3 (675 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC) : .55, .68
Janka Hardness : 800 lbf (3,570 N)
Modulus of Rupture : 12,710 lbf/in2 (87.7 MPa)
Elastic Modulus : 1,743,000 lbf/in2 (12.02 GPa)
Crushing Strength : 7,070 lbf/in2 (48.8 MPa)
Shrinkage : Radial : Radial: 3.9%, Tangential: 7.8%, Volumetric: 12.5%, T/R Ratio: 2.0
Color/Appearance : Typically a dark reddish or purplish brown; commonly with white resin streaks present.
Grain/Texture : Grain can be straight or interlocked. With a coarse texture and low natural luster.
Rot Resistance : VReported as moderately-durable to non-durable in regard to decay resistance, but is susceptible to insect attack.
Workability : Typically easy to work, though any interlocked grain can present problems during planing, and Dark Red Meranti is reported to have very poor steam-bending properties. Some species may have a slight blunting effect on tools due to small levels of silica present in the wood. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Odor : No characteristic odor.
Pricing/Availability : Meranti is widely harvested and available worldwide. It should be Economically priced despite the fact that it is imported. Sustainable/certified sources of Meranti are also available.