Hardwoods from the ROW (Rest of the World)
Dark Red Meranti - (Shorea spp, shorea pauciflora, shorea acuminata, shorea platycarpa, shorea platyclados, shorea curtisii)
(Other names: Red lauan, dark red seraya, oba suluk)
The sapwood is lighter in colour and distinct from the heartwood which is red-brown darkening to a dark red. The texture is rather coarse but even, and the grain is interlocked and wavy.
Main Uses
Joinery, Plywood, cladding, interior furniture, general construction, concrete forms, veneer and boatbuilding.
Strengths
Can achieve a good finish with this species. It also glues and nails well when being used for joining and fixing.
Work Properties
Typically, easy to work, though any interlocking grain can present problems during planning. Not great steam bending properties, but it does glue, nail and screw satisfactorily and can be stained and polished well.
Durability
Meranti is a soft to firm hardwood timber. It does not tend to warp or twist and is likely to be dent resistant.
Other Information
Meranti varies in durability but offers good strength and hardness overall, providing additional resistance to decay and insect attack. Machines and finishes well.
European CND Steamed Beech - (Fagus Sylvatica)
Normally, there is no clear distinction of colour between the sapwood and heartwood, typically the wood is a pale brown when freshly cut, turning reddish-brown on exposure, The veneer tends to be a darker colour as slicing the veneer usually requires the wood to be prepared with steam, which gives it a slight golden tone. The wood is typically straight grained, with a fine to medium texture, it has a moderate natural luster.
Main Uses
Internal joinery, furniture construction, Lumber, veneer, flooring, boatbuilding, cabinetry, musical instruments (Piano pinblocks), plywood, turned objects.
Strengths
Good overall strength, excellent shock resistance and good resistance to abrasive wear. Excellent for bending, making it a highly versatile option.
Work Properties
Machines, glues, finishes, and turns well and takes stains and polish satisfactorily. It responds brilliantly to steam-bending. It does have a large amount of movement in service, so movement and wood stability needs’ to be considered. It produces excellent veneer.
Durability
Considered non-durable or perishable.
Other Information
Meranti varies in durability but offers good strength and hardness overall, providing additional resistance to decay and insect attack. Machines and finishes well.
Other Information
Its hardness, wear-resistance, strength, and excellent bending capabilities make this hardwood a mainstay for many woodworkers. Depending on soil conditions, European Beech can grow to very large sizes, making its wide and long lumber commonly available for use.
Contact Information
If you have questions about any of our Hardwoods from the ROW please call us on 01785 284718 or email sales@shelmoretimber.co.uk
Hardwood showcase gallery