White Seraya   INTRODUCTION The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of the lighter species of Parashorea (Dipterocarpaceae). This timber is confined to the states of Sabah and Sarawak. Vernacular names applied include urat mata (Sabah and Sarawak) with various epithets. Major species include P. malaanonan and P. tomentella. The sapwood is paler in colour…

White Meranti   White Meranti Wood: Versatile and Durable for Medium Construction Introduction White Meranti wood, derived from the Anthoshorea group of Shorea species, is a highly versatile wood used widely across Malaysia and beyond. Known for its durability and moderate hardness, this wood is often referred to by various local names such as meranti…

Tualang Tualang Wood: A Durable Choice for Heavy-Duty Construction Introduction Tualang wood, derived from Koompassia excelsa, is a medium hardwood known for its reddish-brown to chocolate-brown color. Commonly found in Malaysia and known by various names such as Kayu Raja in Sarawak and Mengaris in Sabah, tualang wood is valued for its strength and durability,…

Tembusu   Tembusu Wood: A Durable Solution for Heavy-Duty Construction Introduction Tembusu is the Standard Malaysian Name for the heavy, durable wood derived from Fagraea spp. Known for its golden to orange-brown color and exceptional strength, tembusu wood is ideal for a variety of heavy-duty applications. Widely found across Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, tembusu is…

Sesendok Wood: Versatile and Lightweight for Various Applications Introduction Sesendok is the Standard Malaysian Name for the wood derived from Endospermum spp. Known for its light yellow color and even texture, it is widely available across Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Sesendok wood is lightweight and moderately easy to work with, making it suitable for a…

Sepetir   Sepetir Wood: Versatile and Durable for Multiple Applications Introduction Sepetir is the Standard Malaysian Name for the timber derived from Copaifera palustris and Sindora spp. (Leguminosae family). Recognized by various names across Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Sepetir is a light hardwood known for its moderate strength and durability. Its distinctive appearance, featuring a…

Sentang Wood: A Versatile and Durable Choice   Introduction Sentang, known by its scientific name Azadirachta excelsa, is a light hardwood species native to Malaysia. It features a pale straw-colored sapwood with a moderately defined reddish-brown heartwood. Sentang’s versatility, moderate density, and ease of workability make it an ideal choice for a wide range of…

Rubberwood: Sustainable and Versatile Wood   Introduction Rubberwood, known locally as Kayu Getah, is derived from Hevea brasiliensis. It is a pale cream wood with a pink tinge and is widely used across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Despite being non-durable in its natural state, rubberwood is a sustainable and cost-effective material for various applications, especially…

Resak Wood: Properties and Applications   Introduction Resak wood is sourced from Cotylelobium spp. and Vatica spp. and is commonly known as resak in Malaysia. The heartwood varies from pale yellow to deep red-brown, with species-specific grain patterns. Resak is known for its strength, durability, and versatility in heavy-duty applications. Key Characteristics Density: A Heavy…

Rengas Wood: Features and Applications   Introduction Rengas wood, derived from Gluta spp. and Melanochyla spp., is known for its striking dark red-brown or deep blood-red heartwood with black streaks. It is a prized cabinet wood in Malaysia, commonly referred to as rengas with various epithets across the region. Key Characteristics Density: Medium Hardwood with…