Sapele rough sawn lumber
Warm reddish-brown alternative with furniture and millwork appeal.
View optionMerbau Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Merbau is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameIntsia spp.
Janka hardness1,840 lbf
Average dried weight51 lb/ft³
Best fitTurned objects
Overview
Why choose Merbau?
Merbau is an imported specialty hardwood. Ranges from East Africa across Southeast Asia to Australia, mainly New Guinea. Common uses include turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, flooring, plus other specialty wood items.
Scientific nameIntsia spp.
DistributionRanges from East Africa across Southeast Asia to Australia, mainly New Guinea
ShrinkageRadial: 2.9%, Tangential: 4.8%, Volumetric: 8.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.7
DurabilityMerbau is said to be very durable, resisting both rot and insects.
Merbau colour, grain, and figure
Freshly cut wood is orangish brown and ages to a deeper reddish brown. Colour can differ widely from board to board.
The grain runs from straight to interlocked. The texture is coarse, and the natural sheen is modest.
Working notes
It glues and finishes well, but sawing can be hard because the teeth gum up and dull.
Merbau has caused mild allergic reactions, usually irritated skin or a streaming nose.
Merbau should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Merbau
Best projects
Common uses include turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, flooring, plus other specialty wood items.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Merbau from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Cherry lumber collection
Domestic warm-colour alternative when the customer wants easier sourcing and workability.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Merbau FAQ
What is Merbau best used for?
Common uses include turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, flooring, plus other specialty wood items. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Merbau beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Merbau?
The buying section on this page links to any Merbau Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.