Dark Red Meranti
Scientific name: Shorea pauciflora
Overview
Dark Red Meranti is a heavier and darker subgroup within the broader Meranti trade classification native to Southeast Asia. Found primarily in Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding tropical regions, the wood is valued for its improved durability, richer coloration, and attractive ribbon figure. Compared to standard Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti is generally denser and more structurally durable, making it suitable for furniture, cabinetry, millwork, paneling, and certain exterior applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Dark Red Meranti
- Scientific Name: Shorea pauciflora
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–200 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 45 lbs/ft³ (720 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,040 lbf
- Color: Dark reddish brown to deep red brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Dark Red Meranti is recognized by its darker reddish-brown coloration and denser structure compared to lighter Meranti and Lauan groups. The wood frequently displays ribbon stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces due to interlocked grain.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark reddish-brown coloration
- Moderately heavy structure
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Distinct ribbon figure on quartersawn boards
Working Properties
Dark Red Meranti generally machines well, though interlocked grain can occasionally produce tearout. The wood glues and finishes effectively and is often selected for projects requiring improved durability and appearance.
- Machines fairly well with sharp tools
- Can produce tearout in figured grain areas
- Good dimensional stability
- Accepts stains and finishes well
- Moderately durable for interior and protected exterior use
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Dark Red Meranti is widely used in commercial woodworking and architectural applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Architectural millwork
- Doors
- Paneling
- Veneer
- Boat interiors
- Interior trim
Sustainability & Notes
Dark Red Meranti includes multiple Shorea species harvested across Southeast Asia. Sustainable forestry and responsible sourcing are increasingly important due to ongoing habitat pressure and historical overharvesting within tropical Dipterocarp forests.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Red Meranti – Generally lighter in both weight and coloration than Dark Red Meranti.
White Meranti – Considerably lighter in appearance and density.
Red Balau – A significantly heavier and more durable Shorea trade wood commonly used for exterior and structural applications.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain – Explains how grain orientation affects wood appearance and machining behavior.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Covers woodworking techniques for figured and ribbon-striped hardwoods.
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Discusses hardwood species commonly selected for cabinetry, furniture, and fine 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
Dark Red Meranti is appreciated by collectors primarily for its strong ribbon figure and representation within the Southeast Asian Shorea trade wood family. Quartersawn samples with pronounced striping are often the most desirable visually.
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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:
• 3M XtractNet Hook and Loop Sanding Disc Multi-Pack for virtually dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
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• 3M P100 Respirator Cartridge and Filter Set for protection against dust, organic vapors, and airborne particles during woodworking and finishing
https://amzn.to/4f0z7t1
• FONAROLL Microfiber Wax Applicator Pads for applying waxes, oils, and fine wood finishes evenly across surfaces
https://amzn.to/4a9ANgn
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