White Meranti
Scientific name: Anthoshorea bracteolata
Overview
White Meranti is a tropical Southeast Asian hardwood trade group commonly harvested from Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding regions. Compared to Red and Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti is generally lighter in both coloration and density while still maintaining good workability and stability. The wood is widely used in furniture, plywood, interior joinery, millwork, and light construction applications where a balanced combination of affordability and machining performance is desired.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: White Meranti
- Scientific Name: Anthoshorea bracteolata
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 36 lbs/ft³ (575 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 580 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to light yellow brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium and moderately uniform
Identification Characteristics
White Meranti is recognized by its lighter overall coloration and moderate texture. Compared to darker Meranti groups, it often appears more subdued visually, though quartersawn boards may still display ribbon figure caused by interlocked grain.
Key identification traits include:
- Light yellow brown to pale brown coloration
- Moderate lightweight structure
- Straight to mildly interlocked grain
- Medium uniform texture
- Occasional ribbon stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces
Working Properties
White Meranti is generally easy to work with using standard woodworking tools. Its moderate density and stable machining behavior make it popular in furniture and plywood manufacturing.
- Easy to machine and sand
- Good gluing and finishing properties
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Works well for veneer and millwork
- Less durable than heavier Meranti groups
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
White Meranti is widely used in commercial woodworking and interior applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior millwork
- Doors
- Plywood
- Paneling
- Veneer
- Light construction
Sustainability & Notes
White Meranti represents multiple Shorea species harvested throughout Southeast Asia. As with many tropical hardwood trade groups, sustainable forestry practices and verified sourcing are important due to ongoing pressure on Dipterocarp forests.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Red Meranti – Generally darker, denser, and somewhat more durable than White Meranti.
Yellow Meranti – Often warmer in coloration with similar commercial applications.
White Lauan – Typically lighter in density and commonly used in plywood production.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained – Explains the structural and botanical differences between hardwood and softwood species.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Covers moisture management and acclimation practices for tropical hardwoods.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Discusses commonly used hardwoods for cabinetry, furniture, and interior woodworking.
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
White Meranti is valued primarily as a representative commercial Southeast Asian hardwood rather than as a decorative collector species. Samples are commonly included in educational collections documenting global plywood and tropical trade woods.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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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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