Merbau

Freshly cut, the heartwood of merbau exhibits a yellow-orange or light brown hue that deepens to a rich reddish-brown with age. This contrasts with its sapwood, which appears pale yellow, white, or buff. Merbau features a coarse, even texture with interlocked or wavy grain patterns, often creating attractive ribbon-like figures on backsawn surfaces. The wood emits an oily odor when freshly cut, and its vessels contain a yellow substance that can stain textiles or concrete.

Merbau's strength and resistance to decay make it ideal for both outdoor and indoor applications. It is commonly used in heavy-duty projects such as bridge building, wharves, cross-arms, sleepers, mining timbers, and marine decking. Its durability and natural beauty also lend it to joinery, flooring, furniture, and decking. In addition, merbau is utilized for boat building, musical instruments, carving, tool handles, and cabinetry. Its widespread application extends to both decorative and structural uses, making it a staple in construction and design.

Merbau is relatively easy to work with hand tools and turns well, but its hardness can make machining more variable. While it generally cuts cleanly, it may dull cutting edges due to its density and resin content. Pre-drilling is recommended to prevent splitting during fastening, though the wood holds nails and screws well once secured. Merbau finishes attractively with paint, stain, or polish, but care must be taken to avoid issues with gum bleeding or oily patches. Its seasoning process is efficient, exhibiting minimal shrinkage and excellent stability.

Merbau is highly durable, with strong resistance to termites and decay. Its heartwood is less affected by environmental factors, making it suitable for outdoor and marine applications. However, untreated sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack and should be protected.