International Wood International Wood 2017 | Page 40

Malaysian Meranti: THE VERSATILE TROPICAL HARDWOOD 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. I n today’s competitive global market- place, specifiers can select woods from around the world that meet their needs based on performance, aesthetics, and price. Malaysia offers a remarkable selection of tropical hardwoods which are utilized in myriad structural and interior applications. Countless wood species are processed into a range of export grade sawn lumber as well as laminated scantlings, mouldings, build- ers' joinery and carpentry products, veneers, plywood and other panel products, and fine furniture. Among the internationally traded tim- ber 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 TYPES OF MERANTI are widely available include Meranti Bukit, Meranti Nemesu and Meranti Seraya while the major species of Red Meranti include Meranti Tembaga and Meranti Kepong. VERSATILITY Meranti is a very versatile and durable wood for indoor applications. It is a commonly used for decorative purposes such as doors, window frames, sidings, decking, mould- ings, furniture, paneling and joinery. It can be painted and stained to match the color and designs of your home. DARK RED MERANTI Meranti Bukit (Shorea platyclados) COLOR: Deep red brown SPECIES: COMMON APPLICATIONS: Decking/joinery (at 15% Moisture Content): 550 – 700 kg/m 3 DENSITY: Meranti Nemesu (Shorea pauciflora) COLOR: Deep red COMMON APPLICATIONS: Staircases SPECIES: (at 15% Moisture Content): 500 – 650 kg/m 3 DENSITY: Meranti Seraya (Shorea curtisii) Medium red COMMON APPLICATIONS: Windows DENSITY: (at 15% Moisture Content): 450 – 550 kg/m 3 SPECIES: SUSTAINABLE AND LEGALLY SOURCED COLOR: Malaysia has been very active and successful in implementing the principles and stan- dards of Sustainable Forest Management and in certifying its forests and timber products. RED MERANTI Meranti Tembaga (Shorea leprosula) COLOR: Smooth pink COMMON APPLICATIONS: Doors SPECIES: 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 FIT-OUTS. (at 15% Moisture Content): 420 – 500 kg/m 3 DENSITY: Meranti Kepong (Shorea ovalis) Soft red COMMON APPLICATIONS: Interior furnishings SPECIES: COLOR: (at 15% Moisture Content): 400 – 450 kg/m 3 DENSITY: Tested under temperate conditions, Meranti Seraya is rated as very durable and Meranti Tembaga is as durable as European Oak. Assessment undertaken by TRADA Technology Ltd. in accordance with BS EN 350-1:1994). 40 INTERNATIONAL WOOD