Tanguile
Scientific name: Shorea polysperma
Overview
Tanguile is a Southeast Asian hardwood belonging to the Shorea genus and is commonly classified within the broader Meranti trade group. It is one of the more recognized named variants of Meranti and is frequently used in doors, paneling, and general construction applications.
Compared to generic Meranti, Tanguile is often more consistent in color and grading, typically displaying a reddish-brown tone with moderate uniformity. It is widely available in the Philippines and surrounding regions and is commonly encountered in both solid lumber and plywood products.
Because it sits between lighter Lauan and heavier structural Shorea species, Tanguile serves as a practical mid-range hardwood and an important reference point within Southeast Asian timber classifications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Tanguile
- Scientific Name: Shorea polysperma
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast Asia)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35–45 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 900–1,200 lbf
- Color: Reddish-brown to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Tanguile is typically identified by its reddish-brown color, moderate uniformity, and relatively straight grain. It is less variable than general Meranti groupings, making it easier to recognize in finished products. Quartersawn surfaces may show subtle ribbon-like figure due to interlocked grain.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown heartwood
- More uniform than general Meranti
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain Medium texture
- Occasional ribbon figure on quartersawn faces
Working Properties
Tanguile is considered easy to work and is widely used in construction and interior applications due to its reliability and availability.
- Machines well with standard tools
- Moderate risk of tearout in interlocked grain
- Glues and finishes well
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Dries with minimal issues when properly handled
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard protective measures such as dust collection and masks are recommended.
Common Uses
Tanguile is commonly used in both structural and interior applications, particularly where a balance of cost, workability, and appearance is needed.
- Doors (very common use)
- Interior paneling
- Furniture
- Cabinet components
- Plywood and veneer
- General construction
Sustainability & Notes
Tanguile is harvested primarily in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. As part of the Shorea genus, sustainability varies depending on forest management practices and source. Responsible sourcing is recommended, especially given ongoing pressure on tropical hardwood forests.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Meranti – Tanguile is part of the Meranti group but is typically more consistent in color and grading, making it easier to identify in finished applications.
Lauan – Lauan is generally lighter in color and lower in density, while Tanguile offers slightly greater strength and a richer reddish tone.
Keruing – Keruing is heavier and more structural in nature, whereas Tanguile is more commonly used in interior and millwork applications.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Useful for distinguishing Tanguile from Meranti, Lauan, and other Shorea species.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for Tanguile’s mid-range hardness and performance.
Understanding Interlocked Grain in Hardwood
Explains the ribbon figure and machining considerations seen in Tanguile.
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
Tanguile is not typically collected for rarity, but it is valuable as a reference species within the Shorea group. Its more consistent appearance compared to general Meranti makes it useful for identifying trade variations and understanding how specific named woods fit within broader commercial categories.
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.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.