Malaysian Meranti: A versatile hardwood

MALAYSIAN MERANTI – THE VERSATILE HARDWOOD

Malaysia off ers a myriad selection of hardwoods which have been utilised in various structural and interior applications. They are processed into a range of export grade sawntimber/lumber as well as laminated scantlings, mouldings, builders' joinery and carpentry products, veneers, plywood and other panel products, and fi ne furniture.

Among the internationally traded timber species are those of Malaysian Meranti (Shorea spp), the most popular of which are Dark Red Meranti and Red Meranti. The major species of Dark Red Meranti that are widely available include Meranti Bukit, Meranti Nemesu and Meranti Seraya.

With more than 50% of the country under forest cover, Malaysia is blessed with a rich green heritage and a huge variety of tropical hardwoods. Many are well known commercial tropical timbers which are sustainably managed, while others are protected under strict forest legislation. One of the best-known tropical timber is Meranti, a wood of worldwide commercial importance. Malaysian Meranti has become established as one of the leading species amongst imported tropical timbers.

VERSATILITY

Meranti is perhaps best known for its versatility and durability in indoor and outdoor applications. It is a hardwood timber commonly used for decorative purposes such as doors, window frames, sidings, decking, mouldings, furniture, panelling and joinery. It can be painted and stained to match the colour and designs of homes.

Types of Dark Red Meranti

Meranti Bukit Meranti Nemesu Meranti Seraya (Shorea platyclados) (Shorea paucifl ora) (Shorea curtisii)

Colour: Deep red brown Colour: Deep red Colour: Medium red Common Application: Common Application: Common Application: Decking/joinery Staircases Windows Density at 15% Density at 15% Density at 15% Moisture Content: Moisture Content: Moisture Content:

550 – 700 kg/m3 500 – 650 kg/m3 450 – 550 kg/m3

Colour: Smooth pink Colour: Soft red Common Application: Common Application: Doors Interior Furnishing Density at 15% Moisture Content: Density at 15% MoisturContent: 420 -500 kg/m3 400 - 460 kg/m3

Attributes Properties

• Average overall strength and hardness • Good nailing and gluing properties • Easy to apply fi nishing • Little movement in performance • Easy to work with hand tools and machines

SUSTAINABLE AND LEGALLY SOURCED

Malaysia has been very active and successful in implementing the principles and standards of Sustainable Forest Management and in certifying its forests and timber products. Sustainably produced tropical hardwoods like the Malaysian Meranti will be the preferred material not only for technical and aesthetic reasons, but for ecological reasons too. The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) has been developed specifi cally to ensure that Malaysia is able to supply products that are sourced from sustainably managed forests. The MTCS became the first tropical timber certifi cation scheme in the Asia Pacific region to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest

A SOUND CHOICE

Malaysian Meranti species have established a reputation for quality, making them much sought-after by discerning buyers. They are the recommended hardwoods for outdoor and indoor applications due to their durability, strength and attractive grains.

Durability

• Reported as relatively-durable in regard to decay resistance and insect attacks. • Treatments will be required for specifi c applications and usages such as being in contact with the ground or in exposed conditions

Uses

• Veneer and plywood • Joinery • Doors • Flooring • Window frames and sills, • Furniture and cabinet work • Mouldings • Decking • Panelling • Partitioning and skirtings • High class interior fi nishing • Naval construction

Certifi cation (PEFC).

• General construction work • Certifi ed legal and/or sustainable • No additional chemical needed for protection against fungal infestation after proper Kiln Dried (KD) process • Attractive appearance and easy to work with • Available grades under Malaysian Grading Rules (MGR), 2009; Select, Standard, Serviceable, Utility & Merchantable.

Viceroy Maldives is a haven of unspoiled nature dotted with palm trees and pristine sand encirclinga blue lagoon. The design of the villas is an interpretation of the hull of an inverted Maldivian dhoni – a traditional fi shing boat. An interesting mix of Malaysian timbers including Meranti was used for different parts of the resort’s structure and interiors ranging from roof trusses, ceilings, fl ooring, doors and windows.

Timber species from the Meranti group have been among the most important timber types exported into Europe for windows and doors construction for about 40 years. These wood types dominate the market, mainly due to their wide availability and good technical properties. Since the introduction of the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), Meranti is being used increasingly and is set to remain a key timber export to Europe.

Tested under temperate conditions, Meranti Seraya is rated as very durable. Assessment undertaken by TRADA Technology Ltd. in accordance with BS EN 350-1:1994).

STUNNING SHOWCASE OF MALAYSIAN MERANTI

These projects are just a few of the many found in various parts of the world that prove that a discerning eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of Malaysian Meranti timber’s technical qualities as a building material could result in breathtaking functional structures. And whatever the design script is, Malaysian timbers such as Dark Red Meranti or Red Meranti help dramatise and enhance properties’ design.

For more information on Malaysian Meranti and other timber species, use the Malaysian Timber Council’s Wood Wizard software at www.mtc.com.my. ℗

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa,

Maldives. Meranti was used for many interior timber works in the resort. The giant central columns in the resort’s Fashala Restaurant are clad with strips of Meranti and the screen walls are of Meranti slats. All the timber works were fi nished to a consistent lime-washed look and feel, which binds all the disparate materials to provide a harmonious and relaxed spatial experience.

Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives:

Malaysian Meranti has been used judiciously for interior applications such as wall panels, doors and window frames as well as other interior fi t-outs.