Red Meranti

Red Meranti, also known as Dark Red Meranti or Philippine Mahogany, is a type of hardwood native to Southeast Asia. It’s typically dark reddish or purplish brown in color, often with white resin streaks present. The grain can be straight or interlocked, and it has a coarse texture with low natural luster.

This wood is moderately durable and strong, with an average dried weight of 42 lbs/ft³. However, it’s reported to have poor steam-bending properties and may have a slight blunting effect on tools due to small levels of silica present in the wood. Despite these challenges, it’s generally easy to work with and finishes well.

Red Meranti is widely used in various applications, including plywood, interior furniture, general construction, veneer, and boatbuilding. However, it’s important to note that it’s not very durable and not rot resistant, which can limit its use in certain environments.

Despite being referred to as Philippine Mahogany, it’s worth noting that Meranti bears no relation to what is considered to be “true” mahogany.