Merbau Woods
What is Merbau Wood?
Merbau Wood is derived from the Intsia bijuga and Intsia palembanica, commonly known as Borneo teak, Ipil, or Kwila, mostly seen in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Northern Australia.
Classified as a tropical hardwood, Merbau is highly valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to both termites and rot. The natural oils present in the wood provide added protection against harsh climatic conditions, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor purposes.
Characteristics of Merbau Wood
The physical and mechanical properties result in the exceptional performance of Merbau wood. Some of the key characteristics are:
| Size | Length |
|---|---|
| Tree Size | 25-35 m (82-115 ft) tall |
| Trunk Diameter | 90-220 cm |
| Wood Colour & Appearance | Orange-brown or golden-yellow when freshly cut, and deep reddish-brown over time |
| Grain & Texture | Straight to an Interlocked grain pattern with coarse texture |
| Density/Specific Gravity | 515 to 1,040 kg/m³, specific gravity from .70 to .95 |
| Janka Rating (Hardness) | 1,840 lbf (7,620 N) |
| Workability | Relatively easy to work with, responds well to planing, turning, and finishing |
| Drying Properties | Dries moderately well, must be cared to avoid surface checking or end splitting |
| Durability (Rot & Insect Resistance) | Natural resistance to rot, termites, and marine borers |
| Stability (Shrinkage/Dimensional Stability) | Superior dimensional stability and low shrinkage value (Radial: 2.9%, Tangential: 4.8%, Volumetric: 8.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.7) |
Benefits of Merbau
The physical properties of Merbau offer numerous benefits, making it a premium choice for buyers.
Exceptional Longevity
Merbau wood has a longer lifespan due to its natural durability and resistance to insects and rot, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. It can withstand the elements and can be used for heavy purposes for decades with minimal maintenance.
Aesthetic Appeal
The rich, deep red-brown colour and the unique grain patterns of Merbau add a touch of warmth, luxury, and sophistication to any space. The golden flecks give it a distinct character that is both visually appealing and unique.
Low Maintenance
Due to its natural oils and high density, Merbau wood requires relatively low maintenance. While it can be oiled or sealed to retain its original colour and lustre, it will naturally weather to a soft, silvery-grey if left untreated, without compromising its structural integrity.
Versatility
The combination of strength, beauty, and workability makes Merbau an incredibly versatile material. It can be used for a wide range of applications, from structural components to decorative items, both indoors and outdoors.
Fire Resistance
Merbau is known for its fire-resistant properties, which can make it suitable for construction in fire-prone areas, adding a layer of safety and peace of mind.
Usage Areas of Merbau Wood
The versatility and strength of Merbau wood make it widely useful across various industries. Most common applications include:
Doors and Windows
The stability and resistance to rot and termites of Merbau wood are ideal for manufacturing doors and window frames.
High-End Furniture
Merbau’s striking appearance and strength make it a favourite for luxury furniture, including tables, chairs, and fine pieces built to last.
Cabinetry
Smooth texture and attractive grain ensure Merbau is frequently chosen for high-end cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom units, and modular fittings.
Flooring
Merbau flooring is one of the most popular choices worldwide. Its hardness and attractive finish make it perfect for both residential and commercial spaces.
Boat Building
Natural rot and marine borer resistance make Merbau ideal for boat decking, hulls, and marine joinery, where durability is important.
Musical Instruments
Merbau’s density and tonal qualities make it suitable for creating certain musical instruments, where sound quality and resonance are essential.
Interior Woodwork
From wall panelling to staircases, Merbau adds warmth and character to interiors.
Outdoor Decking
One of the top choices for outdoor decking, Merbau’s durability allows it to withstand heat, rain, and heavy foot traffic.
Plywood
Merbau’s quality supports high-grade plywood manufacturing used for detailed joinery, cabinetry, and finishing.
Turnery and Carvings
Because of its workability, Merbau is an excellent choice for decorative carvings, turned items, and artistic woodcrafts.
Why Choose HillWood for Merbau Wood?
Hillwood is India’s first treated hardwood brand, offering high-quality Merbau wood, exclusively sourced from 100-year-old Papua origin trees. Our chemically treated Merbau is known for its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility, making it ideal for flooring, staircases, doors, and window frames.
Each log is processed in our facility in Indonesia, where it is cut precisely and planed to customer requirements. This ensures 0% wastage and makes the wood ready to use immediately, as it is delivered in the exact sizes and quantities needed.
To guarantee unmatched performance, every piece undergoes advanced chemical treatment, followed by kiln drying to reduce shrinkage and warping. The wood is then planed for a smooth, even surface and premium finish—ideal for doors, windows, staircases, and more.
Offering 25 years of warranty, we ensure superior wood solutions that can withstand the time. Every piece of timber we supply is responsibly sourced and undergoes strict quality checks to guarantee defect-free wood. Our high-quality Merbau wood is suitable for a wide range of projects, from decking to flooring and furniture-grade planks.
Merbau wood, with its unmatched characteristics and versatile benefits, continues to be the top choice for builders, designers, and woodworkers. Choose Hillwood for quality and assurance that lasts.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Merbau is a premium hardwood known for its exceptional durability, density, and strength. It is widely used in high-end furniture, door and window frames, flooring, and decking.
Merbau is considered one of the best tropical hardwoods because of its toughness, resistance to termites, and natural beauty. Its stability makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
No. While both are high-quality hardwoods, Merbau and Teak are different species with unique properties. Teak has a golden-brown color, while Merbau ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown. Merbau is denser and often more affordable compared to teak.
Merbau is not totally waterproof, but it has excellent natural resistance to moisture and decay, making it highly suitable for outdoor decking, boat building, and areas with high humidity.
When properly treated and maintained, Merbau wood can last several decades, often 40–50 years or more, making it one of the most durable hardwoods available.
Yes, Merbau is considered a premium hardwood, so it is relatively expensive compared to softwoods or common timbers. However, its long lifespan and strength make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
HillWood is a leading Merbau wood supplier in India and the most trusted hardwood brand in Kerala. With its own manufacturing facility in Indonesia, HillWood processes mature Merbau logs to ensure certified quality, durability, and strength all backed by a 25 year warranty.
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