Borneo Teak

Borneo teak  (Intsia spp.)

 

Common names:  Kwila, Ipil, Borneo teak, tat-talun

 

Distribution: East Africa to Southeast Asia and Australia; (primarily New Guinea)

 

Color/appearance: Has an orangish-brown color when freshly cut, which ages to a darker reddish-brown. Color between boards can be highly variable. There are also small yellow mineral deposits found throughout the wood, making it easier to separate from other lookalikes. (These yellow deposits are water-soluble and can cause staining.)

 

Janka hardness: 1840 lb_f

 

Density: 4.25 lb/b.f.

 

Shrinkage: 1 Radial (thickness): 2.9%

 

Tangential (width): 4.8%

 

Volumetric (total): 8.0%

 

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.7

 

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Merbau has been associated with mild allergic reactions, most common is skin irritation and a runny nose.

 

Sustainability (listing):

 

CITES: NO

IUCN:  YES; Vulnerable  [1]

 

Common Uses:

Flooring, furniture, musical instruments, turned objects, and other specialty wood items.

 

 

[1] On the IUCN Red List. It is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of approximately 50% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.