Merbau
Intsia bijuga
Hardness
Very hard; tough on tools but extremely wear-resistant.
Overview
A decay-resistant Southeast Asian hardwood used widely for decking, with natural tannins that bleed on first exposure to rain.
Commonly built
- Deck boards
- Outdoor furniture
- Flooring
- Fencing
Appearance
Golden-brown to dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a slightly oily sheen.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Contains tannins that can bleed a yellow-orange stain the first few times it gets wet, seal before installing near light-colored surfaces. Moderately hard on cutters.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn merbau panel moves roughly 0.25 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Merbau move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Merbau?
Merbau has a Janka hardness of 1925 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Merbau suitable for outdoor use?
Merbau stands up reasonably well outdoors, especially with a protective finish and regular maintenance.
How easy is Merbau to work with?
Merbau has Fair workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Merbau move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn merbau panel moves roughly 0.25 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used merbau, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.