Merbau Wood Guide 2026
Intsia bijuga
Merbau is a premier Southeast Asian and Pacific Island hardwood widely used for decking, flooring, and outdoor construction throughout Australasia. Its rich orange-brown to dark reddish-brown heartwood features distinctive yellow mineral deposits in the pores that create a unique speckled appearance. Extremely durable and stable, Merbau is often compared to Ipe for outdoor performance and has become one of the most important commercial tropical hardwoods.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 50 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Pacific Islands
- Price: ~$8.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Decking, flooring, outdoor furniture
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is coarse and uneven.
Workability: It is hard and dense, requiring predrilling and sharp tools.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: It contains natural tannins that may bleed when exposed to water.
Color change: The wood darkens significantly from orange-brown to deep red-brown.
Insect resistance: It is highly resistant to decay and insect attack.
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 Merbau. 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) | Standard decking widths are common. | Random lengths are generally available. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Standard decking widths are common. | Random lengths are generally available. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Standard decking widths are common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are generally available.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Standard decking widths are common.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are generally available.
Decking & exterior profiles
Available in standard S4S and eased-edge decking profiles.
Availability notes: It is widely available through specialty decking suppliers.
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: Orange-brown to dark reddish brown heartwood with yellow mineral flecks in pores; pale sapwood
Grain: Interlocked to wavy grain with a coarse but even texture; yellow deposits visible in pores
Common Uses
- Decking
- flooring
- outdoor furniture
- dock construction
- window frames
- door frames
- boat building
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Kwila, Ipil, Pacific Teak, Moluccan Ironwood
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,925 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Pacific Islands
- Affordable pricing
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 Merbau is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
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