Light Red Meranti: Versatile and Timeless Wood
Light Red Meranti Wood (LRM) is a pink-red, lightweight wood from the genus *Shorea* (Dipterocarpaceae). Known by various names across Malaysia and other regions, LRM is valued for its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Major species include *S. acuminata*, *S. dasyphylla*, *S. hemsleyana*, *S. johorensis*, *S. lepidota*, *S. leprosula*, *S. ovalis*, *S. palembanica*, *S. parvifolia*, *S. platycarpa*, and *S. teysmanniana*. The sapwood is lighter, typically greyish, contrasting with the light pink to light red or light brown heartwood.
#### Density
LRM is classified as a Light Hardwood, with a density of 385-755 kg/m³ when air-dry, making it suitable for various lightweight applications.
#### Natural Durability
While LRM is not highly durable in exposed or ground-contact conditions, it offers moderate resistance to fungal attacks. However, it is prone to termite attacks. The sapwood is especially susceptible to drywood termites, which can spread to the heartwood. Species like *S. acuminata* and *S. hemsleyana* are moderately durable, with a service life exceeding two years, while others like *S. leprosula* are less durable.
#### Preservative Treatment
LRM is generally resistant to preservative impregnation, which may limit its use in certain exposed conditions without additional treatments.
#### Texture
The wood features a coarse but even texture with interlocked grain, providing a unique aesthetic for decorative applications.
#### Strength Properties
LRM falls into Strength Group C or SG 6, making it suitable for various structural uses. Here are some key strength metrics:
– **Modulus of Elasticity**: 10,500 – 13,600 MPa.
– **Modulus of Rupture**: 50 – 77 MPa.
– **Compression Strength**: Parallel to grain (25.6 – 42.7 MPa), perpendicular to grain (2.00 – 2.51 MPa).
– **Shear Strength**: 5.9 – 11.0 MPa.
#### Machining Properties
LRM is easy to saw, plane, bore, and turn, yielding smooth finishes across different species.
#### Nailing Property
The nailing property is generally good, though *S. hemsleyana* is rated as poor.
#### Air Drying
The seasoning properties of LRM vary, with drying times ranging from 2 to 5 months. Some species dry without defects, while others may experience slight bowing and twisting.
#### Kiln-Drying
Kiln Schedule F is recommended for rapid drying without degrade.
– **Drying Time**: 25 mm boards take about 6 days, while 50 mm boards take about 20 days to kiln-dry.
#### Shrinkage
High tangential shrinkage, varying by species:
– **Radial**: 1.5% – 2.1%
– **Tangential**: 4.8% – 7.4%
#### Defects
LRM is prone to brittle heart, often accompanied by advanced rot in older trees. It is also susceptible to beetle attacks, which can be severe in some cases.
#### Uses
LRM is a popular general utility wood, ideal for:
– **Furniture**: Suitable for crafting beautiful, sturdy furniture.
– **Interior Finishing**: Perfect for panelling, partitioning, mouldings, skirtings, and decorative works.
– **Joinery**: Ideal for shop and office fittings, staircase components, and flooring.
– **Construction**: Used for decking, posts, beams, joists, rafters, door and window frames, and sills.
– **Pallets**: Effective for expendable type pallets.
– **Tool Handles**: Suitable for non-impact tool handles.
– **Vehicle Bodies**: Utilized in planking for vehicle bodies.
– **Marine Use**: Employed in general planking for ship and boat building.
– **Miscellaneous**: Used for ornamental items, cooling tower non-structural members, plywood, and light construction works.
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