Why Nyatoh & Merbau?

Nyatoh

Image credit: Eric Meier, The Wood Database. Available at: [The Wood Database - Nyatoh]
• Origin: Southeast Asia (primarily Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines) • Colour: Reddish-brown, darkens with age • Grain: Straight to interlocked • Texture: Medium to coarse • Density: Medium (640–800 kg/m³) • Hardness: Moderately hard (1,225 lbf) • Durability: Moderately durable, prone to insect attack if untreated • Stability: Moderate, can warp or shrink if not properly dried • Flexibility: Moderately flexible; suitable for curved designs but may splinter • Moisture Movement: Moderate; requires sealing for outdoor use • Uses: Indoor furniture, interior joinery, cabinetry, veneer • Lifespan (Indoor): Several decades with proper care • Lifespan (Outdoor): 5–15 years, depending on maintenance and environmental conditions • Maintenance: - Indoor: Regular dusting, mild wood cleaner, occasional polishing - Outdoor: Apply wood preservative or sealant annually, protect from moisture and insects - Protection: Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity; check for insect damage

Merbau

Image credit: Eric Meier, The Wood Database. Available at: [The Wood Database - Merbau]
• Origin: Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia) and the South Pacific (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands) • Colour: Deep reddish-brown, darkens with age • Grain: Straight to interlocked, wavy • Texture: Medium to coarse, often oily to the touch • Density: High (800–900 kg/m³) • Hardness: Very hard (1,925 lbf) • Durability: Highly durable, resistant to termites and decay • Stability: Minimal shrinkage and warping • Flexibility: Low flexibility; best suited for straight or mildly curved designs • Moisture Movement: Low; naturally stable • Uses: Indoor/Outdoor furniture, sturdy joinery, flooring, decking, heavy construction • Lifespan (Indoor): Over 50 years with proper care • Lifespan (Outdoor): 25–40 years with appropriate treatment and maintenance • Maintenance: - Indoor: Regular dusting, cleaning with gentle wood cleaner, occasionally polishing - Outdoor: Apply oil-based or UV-resistant finish every 1–2 years - Protection: Keep sealed; avoid prolonged extreme weather exposure