Properties and Uses

Meranti bakau

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Shorea uliginosa (Dipterocarpaceae). The timber is a light hardwood with a density of 595–755 kg m^-3 air dry. The sapwood is lighter in colour than and is distinct from the heartwood, which is light pink to light red-brown. Texture is rather coarse but even, with interlocked grain. The timber is only fairly strong (Strength group C). It is easy to work and produces a moderately smooth surface. The nailing property is rated as good. The timber seasons fairly rapidly with moderate cupping, bowing and twisting as the main sources of degrade. 13 mm boards take approximately 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 3.5 months. Shrinkage is average, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.0% and tangential shrinkage averaging 2.7%. For kiln-drying, Schedule H is recommended. The timber kiln-dries fast without any degrade. The timber is moderately durable under exposed conditions and is rather difficult to treat with preservatives.

USES: The timber is suitable for all general light construction, furniture manufacture, flooring, rotary peeled veneer, plywood and wooden pallets.

Vernacular names applied include meranti paya (P.M., in error), meranti tenggelam (Pk.) and seraya buaya hantu (Sab.). There is only one species contributing to this timber, viz. Shorea uliginosa , although sometimes a timber derived from the true meranti paya ( Shorea platycarpa ) cannot be confidently separated from meranti bakau .

NOTE: This timber is separated from the other Red Merantis based on colour and density. Meranti bakau has the colour of light red meranti but the density of dark red meranti .