Meranti, Light Red

Light red meranti is a tropical rainforest species found throughout South East Asia and the South West Pacific islands, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and east Malaysia. In Australia, light red meranti is marketed simply as meranti, or can be found under the names Borneo cedar, seraya, lauan, and Philippine mahogany. 

The timber's heartwood ranges from pink to pinkish-brown. The sapwood is sometimes lighter than the heartwood, but differentiation cannot always be made. The grain is moderately coarse but even in texture with quarter sawn material sometimes displaying an attractive ribbon figure. Growth rings are absent and rays are medium to fine.

Light red meranti is a softer wood and not resistant to termites. It can be dried using conventional methods and bonded using standard procedures. While the sapwood readily accepts preservatives, penetration of heartwood is insignificant using current commercial processes. The timber can be painted, stained, or polished but the open grain means surfaces should be filled before finishing. This species also machines well to a smooth surface and takes standard fittings and fastenings easily.

Light red meranti is commonly used for decorative applications including paneling, flooring, joinery, mouldings, plywood and turnery.  It is regularly sought after for furniture and carving as well.