Malaysian Timber Mouldings and Doors
Timber Mouldings – A Good Fit / Timber Doors – For a Grand Entrance
Spotlight On: Meranti
Species: Shorea spp.
Origin: Southeast Asia
Common Applications: Plywood, interior furniture, general construction, concrete forms, veneer and boatbuilding.
Characteristics / Appearance: Colors can vary from a pale straw color, to a darker reddish brown. The texture is coarse with medium to large pores. Sometimes the grain is interlocked.
Janka Hardness Scale: 1,600 lb_f (see chart on page 57)
Comments: Meranti is relatively easy to work with and it glues, stains and finishes well.
Timber Mouldings – A Good Fit
When every detail counts, precisely crafted timber mouldings will beautifully transform any interior setting. For centuries, quality timber mouldings have enhanced the appearance of homes and even office buildings around the world.
Decorative mouldings such as architraves, wainscoting, cornices, dado rails, base boards, aprons, dowels, jambs, louvers, wall claddings, and skirtings are the premier choice of architects, interior designers, and discerning artisans.
The timber mouldings are machined to specifications using the latest technology to ensure superior finishing and quality. Some manufacturers provide additional services such as veneer-wrapping and lamination, while others have experienced craftsmen who provide an added touch to these products.
Malaysian mouldings made from timbers such as Bintangor, Jelutong, Keruing, Meranti, Sepetir, Merbau, Nyatoh, and Rubberwood are exported mainly to Japan, Australia, the United States, and Europe.
Timber Doors – For a Grand Entrance
A breathtaking design for a door can become a conversation piece. Timber doors have been the preferred choice of the discerning and many contemporary designs have showcased its primary qualities such as its sturdiness, beauty, and warmth.
Malaysian timber doors, which are sought-after globally, are available in a variety of species, designs, sizes, and specifications.
Using state-of-the-art technology, Malaysian manufacturers are well-placed to serve customers globally, whether they are small orders of custom-made doors or large orders of standard products. Beautifully glazed, paneled, solid or engineered timber doors, all these and more are on the manufacturers' list.
Dark Red Meranti, Nyatoh, Kembang Semangkok, Balau, Merpauh, and Merbau are among the timbers used while some doors are also overlaid with popular foreign species like Oak, Walnut, Cherry, and Makore as well as reconstituted veneer.
Continued on page 36
Spotlight On: Balau
Species: Shorea spp.
Origin: Southeast Asia / Philippines
Common Applications: Decking, plywood, veneer, heavy construction, flooring, frames of boats, and utility furniture.
Characteristics / Appearance: Balau refers to any number of woods of the Shorea genus. The coloration can vary from species to species, but in general the sapwood is lighter in color and is sharply defined from the heartwood. The heartwood is light to deep red or purple–brown and can also be yellow or grey-brown. The color darkens to a deep brown on exposure. Texture is moderately fine and even, with deeply interlocked grain.
Janka Hardness Scale: 1560 lb_f (see chart on page 57)
Comments: Balau looks similar to teak, only without the name recognition among consumers. It is very similar to Teak and is an excellent choice for any outdoor structure or piece of furniture.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species are used in Malaysian timber mouldings?+
Malaysian timber mouldings are made from species including Bintangor, Jelutong, Keruing, Meranti, Sepetir, Merbau, Nyatoh, and Rubberwood.
Where are Malaysian timber mouldings primarily exported?+
Malaysian timber mouldings are exported mainly to Japan, Australia, the United States, and Europe.
What types of decorative mouldings are commonly produced from Malaysian timber?+
Common decorative mouldings include architraves, wainscoting, cornices, dado rails, base boards, aprons, dowels, jambs, louvers, wall claddings, and skirtings.
Which timber species are used for Malaysian timber doors?+
Malaysian timber doors are made from species such as Dark Red Meranti, Nyatoh, Kembang Semangkok, Balau, Merpauh, and Merbau. Some doors are also overlaid with foreign species like Oak, Walnut, Cherry, and Makore, or reconstituted veneer.
What are the characteristics and appearance of Meranti wood?+
Meranti color ranges from pale straw to darker reddish brown, with a coarse texture, medium to large pores, and sometimes interlocked grain. It has a Janka hardness of 1,600 lb_f and is relatively easy to work with, gluing, staining, and finishing well.
How does Balau wood compare to teak?+
Balau looks very similar to teak but lacks the same consumer name recognition. It is an excellent choice for outdoor structures or furniture, with a Janka hardness of 1,560 lb_f.