International Wood Magazine

Picture Frames – Picture Perfect

Spotlight on: Merbau

Magazine page featuring stacked gold and bronze gilded wooden picture frames, a Merbau species spotlight, and a McCathay Timber veneer advertisement with a forest canopy photo.
A page from International Wood Magazine spotlighting Malaysian picture frames crafted from tropical hardwoods, alongside a Merbau species profile and a McCathay Timber veneer advertisement.

SPOTLIGHT ON: MERBAU

Species: Intsia spp.

Origin: East Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

Common Applications: Indoor and outdoor furniture, flooring, decking and musical instruments.

Characteristics / Appearance: Merbau has an orange-brown color when freshly cut. As it ages, it turns into a darker reddish-brown color. Its grain is straight to interlocked with a coarse texture.

Janka Hardness Scale: 1,840 lb_f (see chart on page 57)

Comments: Merbau has strong characteristics, stability and durability. It is resistant to rotting and insect attack. It also glues and finishes very well.

Picture Frames – Picture Perfect

Picture frames made of wood comes in tones which go with any image and almost all types of home décor or interior finishing. A clear finish will also enable one to enjoy the beauty of the wood grain as these frames are themselves a work of art which add a touch of class to the pictures.

Malaysian picture frame manufacturers are recognized worldwide for their high quality products which range from either plain mouldings in natural finish or intricately sculptured designs in gold, silver and bronze gilded finishing. The frames also come in a variety of styles - from classic to contemporary.

Among the timber species used for picture frames are Jelutong, Penarahan, Pulai, Ramin, White Meranti, and Mempisang. Be it custom-made frames in small or large batches, Malaysian picture frame manufacturers enjoy a steady demand from countries like the United States, China, the Middle East, and Europe.

For a list of Malaysian suppliers of timber and timber products, and to learn more about Malaysian timber species, please contact the Malaysian Timber Council (www.mtc.com.my) or refer to the IWPA Buyers Guide beginning on Page 56.

Frequently asked questions

Which timber species do Malaysian manufacturers commonly use to produce picture frames?+

Malaysian picture frame manufacturers commonly use Jelutong, Penarahan, Pulai, Ramin, White Meranti, and Mempisang for their frames.

What finishing styles are available from Malaysian picture frame manufacturers?+

Malaysian manufacturers offer a range from plain mouldings in natural finish to intricately sculptured designs in gold, silver, and bronze gilded finishes. Frame styles vary from classic to contemporary.

Which export markets drive demand for Malaysian-made picture frames?+

Malaysian picture frame manufacturers enjoy steady demand from the United States, China, the Middle East, and Europe, for both small and large custom-made batches.

Why is a clear finish recommended for wooden picture frames?+

A clear finish allows the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through, making the frames themselves a work of art that adds a touch of class to the pictures they hold.

Where can buyers find Malaysian suppliers of timber products like picture frames?+

Buyers can contact the Malaysian Timber Council at www.mtc.com.my or refer to the IWPA Buyers Guide for a list of Malaysian suppliers of timber and timber products.