White Lauan
Scientific name: Shorea contorta
Overview
White Lauan is a lightweight tropical hardwood from Southeast Asia commonly grouped within the broader Lauan trade classification. Native primarily to the Philippines and neighboring tropical Asian regions, White Lauan is widely used for plywood, veneer, interior construction, and general utility woodworking. The wood is valued for its pale coloration, relatively uniform texture, and ease of machining, making it one of the more commercially important lightweight Shorea trade woods.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: White Lauan
- Scientific Name: Shorea contorta
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 30 lbs/ft³ (480 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 500 lbf
- Color: Pale tan to light brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium and uniform
Identification Characteristics
White Lauan is recognized by its lighter coloration and relatively plain appearance compared to Red Lauan and other darker Shorea trade woods. The wood often ranges from pale cream to light tan or light brown, sometimes showing subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale cream to light brown coloration
- Lightweight structure
- Straight to mildly interlocked grain
- Moderately uniform texture
- Occasional ribbon figure on quartersawn boards
Working Properties
White Lauan is generally easy to work with using both hand and machine tools. Its softer structure allows for efficient cutting, sanding, and veneering, though durability is lower than heavier tropical hardwoods.
- Easy to machine and sand
- Good dimensional stability
- Accepts stains and finishes well
- Often used in plywood manufacturing
- Lower durability than heavier Shorea woods
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 Lauan is widely used in commercial plywood production and interior woodworking applications.
- Plywood
- Veneer
- Interior paneling
- Furniture components
- Cabinetry
- Doors
- Light millwork
- Utility woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
The White Lauan trade group may include multiple Shorea species harvested throughout Southeast Asia. Historical overharvesting and deforestation have affected many Shorea forests, making responsible sourcing increasingly important.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Red Lauan – Typically darker and slightly denser than White Lauan.
Yellow Lauan – Often shows warmer golden coloration with similar commercial applications.
White Meranti – A somewhat heavier and more durable Shorea trade wood commonly used in construction and millwork.
Related Guides
Wood Grain Patterns Explained – Covers how grain structure and figure affect wood appearance and identification.
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Explains how density and hardness influence woodworking performance.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Explains how tropical hardwoods react to humidity and environmental conditions.
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 Lauan is generally collected more for educational and regional wood identification purposes than for decorative rarity. Representative samples are useful within broader Southeast Asian Shorea and plywood trade collections.
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:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
https://amzn.to/4v1EYSZ
• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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