Merbau is recognised as one of the most versatile hardwood products in the world. Merbau’s strength and durability and natural resistance to termites make it ideal for construction and engineering applications.
Merbau is also widely used in the manufacture of furniture, joinery and flooring.
Deep red in colour, it is perfect for internal applications, bringing depth and warmth to any setting. Botanical Name: Intsia Bijuga; Intsia palembanica
Other Common Names: Go-nuoc (Viet Nam); Ipil, Ipil laut (Pl); Kwila (Papua New Guinea); Moluccan iron-wood (United Kingdom); Mirabow (United Kingdom, USA); Inzia (ltaly); Moluks ijzerhou (NI); Merbau (France, Germany, Italia, NI, Spain, Sweden).
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
| Colour | Golden-Brown, Red Brown to Blood Red |
| Grain | Straight or slightly interlocked |
| Strength | SD2 |
| Structural Ratings | F27 (KD machined select) & F22 (Air Dried machined select) |
| Hardness | 8.6kN (seasoned) & 7.6kN (unseasoned) |
| Termite Resistance | Resistant |
| Shrinkage to 12% MC | 2.6% (tangential) 1.2% (radial) |
| Durability above ground | Class 1 - Life expectancy over 40 years |
| Durability in ground | Class 3 - Life expectancy 5 to 15 years |
| Working properties | Sawing/Machining; Sawing is difficult as wood clogs saw teeth and dulls cutting edges; carbide tooling recommended. Sanding: Sands satisfactorily. Nailing: Good holding ability. Finishing: Wood stains black in contact with ferrous metals or moisture. |
| Uses | Flooring, furniture, panelling, fine joinery, decorative turnery, cabinetmaking, musical instruments, and specialty items. |