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Merbau is recognised as one of the most versatile hardwood products in the world. Merbau’s strength and durability and natural resistance to termites make it ideal for construction and engineering applications. Merbau is also widely used in the manufacture of furniture, joinery and flooring. Deep red in colour, it is perfect for internal applications, bringing depth and warmth to any setting. Botanical Name: Intsia Bijuga; Intsia palembanica Other Common Names: Go-nuoc (Viet Nam); Ipil, Ipil laut (Pl); Kwila (Papua New Guinea); Moluccan iron-wood (United Kingdom); Mirabow (United Kingdom, USA); Inzia (ltaly); Moluks ijzerhou (NI); Merbau (France, Germany, Italia, NI, Spain, Sweden).

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Colour	Golden-Brown, Red Brown to Blood Red
Grain	Straight or slightly interlocked
Strength	SD2
Structural Ratings	F27 (KD machined select) & F22 (Air Dried machined select)
Hardness	8.6kN (seasoned) & 7.6kN (unseasoned)
Termite Resistance	Resistant
Shrinkage to 12% MC	2.6% (tangential) 1.2% (radial)
Durability above ground	Class 1 – Life expectancy over 40 years
Durability in ground	Class 3 – Life expectancy 5 to 15 years
Working properties	Sawing/Machining; Sawing is difficult as wood clogs saw teeth and dulls cutting edges; carbide tooling recommended. Sanding: Sands satisfactorily. Nailing: Good holding ability. Finishing: Wood stains black in contact with ferrous metals or moisture.
Uses	Flooring, furniture, panelling, fine joinery, decorative turnery, cabinetmaking, musical instruments, and specialty items.