Apitong
Scientific name: Dipterocarpus grandiflorus
Overview
Apitong is a dense, durable tropical hardwood from Southeast Asia, commonly grouped within the Keruing species of the Shorea genus. It is widely used in heavy-duty structural and industrial applications due to its strength, wear resistance, and ability to withstand harsh environments. Apitong is especially well known in North America for its use in trailer decking, truck flooring, and container floors, making it one of the most commercially important utility hardwoods imported from Asia.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Apitong
- Scientific Name: Dipterocarpus grandiflorus
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia)
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~50–65 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~1,390–1,940 lbf (varies by species)
- Color: Light to medium brown, sometimes reddish or olive tones
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Apitong typically ranges from light brown to deeper reddish-brown, sometimes with olive undertones depending on the specific species and growing region. The grain is usually straight but can be interlocked, producing a subtle ribbon effect on quartersawn surfaces. Texture is medium to coarse, with a somewhat oily or resinous feel common in Shorea species. Compared to lighter Meranti types, Apitong appears heavier, denser, and more rugged in overall appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown coloration
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Coarser texture than Meranti
- Heavier, denser visual appearance
- Often shows slight resin content
Working Properties
Apitong is a heavy-duty hardwood that performs well in demanding structural and industrial environments but requires proper handling due to its density and interlocked grain.
- Machines with moderate difficulty due to density
- High risk of tearout in interlocked grain sections
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Glues adequately with proper surface preparation
- Finishes reasonably well but may require sealing
- Excellent wear resistance in high-load applications
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust collection and personal protective equipment are recommended when machining.
Common Uses
Apitong is primarily used in heavy-duty and industrial applications where strength and durability are critical.
- Trailer decking (flatbeds, dry vans)
- Truck flooring
- Shipping container flooring
- Heavy construction
- Industrial flooring
- Railroad ties
- Bridge components
Sustainability & Notes
Apitong is harvested from multiple Shorea species, many of which are not individually distinguished in commercial trade. Sustainability varies by region and supplier. Some species within the Shorea genus are under pressure due to overharvesting, making responsible sourcing important. Certification such as FSC can be limited but is improving.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Keruing – Apitong is often marketed under this broader category
Meranti – Lighter, less dense, easier to work
Teak – More stable and rot-resistant, but significantly more expensive
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Provides insight into Apitong’s high strength and why it is commonly used in trailer decking and structural applications.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Helps explain how Apitong’s density contributes to its durability and performance under heavy loads.
How to Identify Wood by Grain Pattern
Useful for recognizing Apitong’s straight to interlocked grain and distinguishing it from other Shorea species like Meranti.
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
Apitong is not typically collected for decorative purposes, but it holds strong value as a functional hardwood. For collectors focused on industrial or structural species, Apitong represents an important example of a high-performance utility wood. Pieces showing interlocked grain or variation between species within the Shorea genus can add educational value to a collection.
Video Overview
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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.
Related Tools & Products:
• Digital Caliper Measuring Tool for precise thickness and dimension measurements
https://amzn.to/4cI18mq
• Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue for strong, waterproof bonding in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/3OJkeAz
• HURRICANE 4 Piece Wood Chisel Set for carving, shaping, and fine woodworking detail
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