Mersawa
Scientific name: Anisoptera costata
Overview
Mersawa is a Southeast Asian hardwood belonging to the Dipterocarp family, commonly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions. It is a medium-density wood often used in construction, joinery, and interior applications. While not considered a premium decorative hardwood, Mersawa is valued for its availability, workability, and structural utility.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Mersawa
- Scientific Name: Anisoptera costata
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35–45 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 800–1,100 lbf
- Color: Light yellow-brown to pale brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium, somewhat coarse
Identification Characteristics
Mersawa has a relatively plain appearance with light yellow-brown to pale brown coloring. The grain is usually straight but can occasionally show slight interlocking. Its medium to coarse texture gives it a more open and less refined surface compared to finer hardwoods like Nyatoh or Mahogany.
Key identification traits include:
- Light yellow-brown color
- Generally plain, uniform appearance
- Medium to coarse texture
- Less visual contrast than decorative hardwoods
Working Properties
Mersawa is moderately easy to work and is commonly used where strength and availability are more important than appearance.
- Easy to machine and cut
- Moderate dulling effect on tools
- Nails and screws well
- Glues adequately with standard adhesives
- Sands reasonably well but can feel coarse
- May require filler for smooth finishing
Safety Note
Dust from Mersawa may cause mild irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory system. Use proper dust collection and protective equipment.
Common Uses
Mersawa is primarily used in structural and utility applications rather than decorative work.
- General construction
- Interior framing
- Plywood and veneer core stock
- Doors
- Flooring (utility grade)
- Joinery
Sustainability & Notes
Mersawa is part of the Dipterocarp group, which includes many commercially important Southeast Asian hardwoods. Sustainability varies widely depending on region and forest management practices, so sourcing should be verified.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Meranti – Mersawa is often grouped with meranti in commercial markets, though it is typically slightly coarser and less refined in texture.
Ramin – A fine-textured Southeast Asian hardwood used for furniture and interior millwork.
Kapur – Kapur is heavier and more durable than Mersawa, especially in outdoor or structural applications.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Mersawa from other Southeast Asian utility hardwoods like meranti and kapur.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for Mersawa’s moderate strength and density.
Wood Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time
Explains how lighter woods like Mersawa may darken slightly with age.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Mersawa is not typically collected for its visual appeal but serves as a useful reference species within the Dipterocarp group. It is valuable for comparison when identifying commercially sold Southeast Asian hardwoods.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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