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