Meranti – Dark Red Wood Guide 2026
Shorea spp.
Typically described as Southeast Asian construction timber
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 47 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Malaysia;Indonesia
- Common uses include Doors, Windows, Exterior joinery
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is coarse with interlocked grain.
Workability: Interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or machining operations.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: It finishes well but the open pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Color change: The dark red hue tends to deepen and then fade to silver-gray outdoors.
Insect resistance: It offers moderate resistance to termites but is susceptible to marine borers.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Meranti – Dark Red. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths from 6 to 12 inches are available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths from 6 to 12 inches are available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 6 to 12 inches are available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 6 to 12 inches are available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 6 to 12 inches are available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 6 to 12 inches are available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical.
Availability notes: It is widely imported and readily available in various grades.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Dark reddish brown
Grain: Straight to interlocked
Common Uses
- Doors
- Windows
- Exterior joinery
- Plywood
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Dark Red Meranti;Red Lauan
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 780 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from Malaysia;Indonesia
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Meranti – Dark Red is unavailable or over budget.
- Utile
- Sapele1,410 lbf Janka
- African Mahogany
Related Species
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