Ramin
Scientific name: Gonystylus bancanus
Overview
Ramin is a light-colored Southeast Asian hardwood primarily found in Indonesia and Malaysia, especially in peat swamp forests. It is known for its pale, uniform appearance and fine texture, making it suitable for mouldings, furniture components, and interior joinery. Due to overharvesting, Ramin is now heavily regulated and is less commonly available in commercial markets.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Ramin
- Scientific Name: Gonystylus bancanus
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast Asia)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35–45 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 900–1,200 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to nearly white
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Ramin is recognized for its very light, almost creamy color and uniform appearance. The grain is typically straight with little to no figure, and the fine texture gives it a smooth, clean look. It is often used where a light-colored hardwood is desired without prominent grain patterns.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to off-white color
- Very uniform appearance
- Straight grain
- Fine, smooth texture
Working Properties
Ramin is easy to work and is often selected for applications requiring clean machining and a smooth finish.
- Easy to machine and cut
- Low dulling effect on tools
- Sands to a very smooth surface
- Glues well with standard adhesives
- Accepts paint and finishes evenly
- Holds detail well for mouldings
Safety Note
Ramin dust can cause mild irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Proper dust extraction and protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Ramin is commonly used in light-duty interior and decorative applications.
- Mouldings and trim
- Furniture components
- Interior joinery
- Picture frames
- Veneer
- Carvings
Sustainability & Notes
Ramin is listed under CITES Appendix II due to significant overharvesting and habitat loss. Trade is strictly controlled, and sourcing must comply with international regulations.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Rubberwood – Rubberwood has a similarly light color but typically shows more visible grain and is less uniform than Ramin.
Mersawa – A Southeast Asian hardwood commonly used in construction, plywood, and general woodworking, though it typically offers lower density and durability.
Meranti – Light meranti can appear similar in color, but it usually has a coarser texture and more variation than Ramin.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Ramin from other light-colored tropical hardwoods.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for Ramin’s moderate density and strength.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Explains the restrictions and legal considerations when sourcing Ramin.
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
Ramin is not typically collected for visual uniqueness but is important as a reference species due to its regulated status and widespread historical use in trim and mouldings.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
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.
Related Tools & Products:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
https://amzn.to/43TXSQV
• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
https://amzn.to/3R0IRd4
• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
https://amzn.to/4ap1dLl
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