red meranti

Post Reply | Watch this Post

For many woods the or sold by characteristic and may not be a specific speices.

red meranti is not a true South American or Afercian Mahogany.

However, one of it's common names is Philipine Mahogany. It is what is commonly sold a mahogany for decking.

"Characteristics: The heartwood of this exotic and imported hardwood is medium to dark red brown with white resin streaks. The grain is interlocked and the texture is rather coarse. The wood is hard and strong. The redder the wood, the greater it’s weight and density. Philippine Mahogany is NOT a true mahogany.

Common Uses: Veneer - plywood - exterior decking - exterior and interior joinery - flooring and trim work.

Working Properties: Works well with power tools. It is difficult to finish to a smooth surface without filling. Pre-bore to nail or screw. Glues well.

Common Name: Philippine Mahogany (Red Meranti)

Tree is Native To: Widespread in tropical Asia, ranging from India to the Philippines and South to Papua New Guinea and Eastern Indonesia.

Botanical Classification: Shorea

Family: Pipterocarpaceae

Average Dried Weight: 48 lb./ft.

Average Specific Gravity: .67 "

http://www.curiouswoods.com/wood--Philipine-Mahogany-Red-Meranti--M.html

"Shorea is a genus of 360 species of mainly rainforest trees in the family Dipterocarpaceae. They are native to southeast Asia, from Northern India to Malesia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

[edit] Timbers

Many economically important timber trees belong to Shorea. They are sold under various trade names including Meranti, Lauan (or Luan), Seraya, Balau, Bangkirai etc. The alluringly-named "Philippine Mahogany" sold in North America is not a mahogany at all, but actually a mixture of woods from the genus Shorea.

The following table associates tree species, wood name and wood colour."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shorea

"Mahogany
There are many different species and sub-species of mahogany. Colors can range from white and yellow to light and dark red. Meranti, a Philippine mahogany, comes in all colors and even has a dark red variety that looks like teak. Each Meranti color variety has its own faults and a wide range of decay resistance. It must be maintained with water repellant to protect it and keep its dimensional stability. Meranti is not as durable or dimensionally stable as real American mahogany, which comes from the West Indies, Mexico, and Central and South America. American mahogany has a beautiful, dark red appearance that will last for decades. When buying mahogany, research the wood and be sure to ask for the species name of the wood you are buying."

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/High_End_Deck_Materials-Deck-A1721.html