Wood Species Guide
Dark Red Meranti
Shorea spp. (dark red meranti group)
Also called: Red Meranti, Red Lauan, Dark Red Seraya, Philippine Mahogany, Nemesu
About the name “Dark Red Meranti”
Meranti is sold by color group, and "dark red meranti" covers several Shorea species with similar wood. The old trade name "Philippine mahogany" was used for meranti and lauan alike, but none of them are true mahogany. Light red, white and yellow meranti are lighter, softer woods.
What Dark Red Meranti looks like
Heartwood is a medium to dark reddish or purplish brown, often with thin white resin streaks. Color varies from board to board because several species are mixed.
Grain and texture
Grain is straight to interlocked, with a coarse texture and low luster.
Working Dark Red Meranti: planing, cutting and gluing
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain tears out in the planer. Some species carry a little silica that dulls blades. It glues, stains and finishes well but is a poor choice for steam bending.
Finishing Dark Red Meranti: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes stain evenly, which is why it was long used as a mahogany substitute. The coarse pores need a grain filler for a smooth film, and a seal coat before epoxy to stop bubbles. Resin streaks may need an acetone wipe so finish adheres.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Moderately durable at best and prone to insects, so use it painted or sealed outdoors and keep it out of ground contact. It is fairly stable once dry. In Florida, prime and finish all faces on exterior trim.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Dark red meranti is a workhorse: affordable mahogany-colored lumber for doors, trim, boat interiors and painted or stained furniture. It is not a slab wood. Pick boards in person if color matters, because a stack can vary from pinkish to deep red-brown. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Dark Red Meranti
Doors, windows, trim and moulding, plywood, interior furniture, boatbuilding and general construction.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Many Shorea species are rated threatened on the IUCN Red List because of heavy logging and forest loss, so look for certified sources.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Eye, throat and skin irritation have been reported from the dust. Serious reactions are uncommon.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Meranti dust has been reported to irritate eyes, throat and skin. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Dark Red Meranti in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Dark Red Meranti listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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