Kwila (Merbau)

Kwila is a high-quality, strong and durable hardwood.

Specs

Botanical Name
Intsia spp 

Other Names
Merbau (Malaysia), Vesi (Fiji) 

Origin
Southwest Asia

Features

Working Properties
Kwila saws well, however, with the fairly high incidence of gum occurring, saws tend to become clogged. It planes well but there is a tendency for the grain to tear out in quarter-sawn material. The wood tends to split when nailing but holds screws well and can be stained and polished reasonably well. However, patches of oil can exude and may affect the finish. The yellow deposits are soluble in water and the dye produced does stain. If early attention is given to any staining it can generally be removed by scrubbing with milk or lactic acid. 

Main uses
Landscaping & heavy construction, flooring, decking, exterior joinery & construction, interior joinery & furniture and mouldings. Well suited for premium heavy construction due to its low shrinkage and durability.

Scope of use

Interior

• Structure
• Furniture
• Flooring 

Exterior

• Structure
• Deck/Floor
• Doors/Windows
• Wall/Cladding

Basic Info

Durability In Ground Perishable/Non Durable
Durability Above Ground Durable 

Density Air Dry 830 kg/m3 

Shrinkage Radial 2 %
Shrinkage Tangental 3 % 

Stability Kiln Dry Very Stable
Stability Green Stable

Mechanical Properties

Janka Hardness 8.6 kN
Modulus of Rupture 147 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity 18 GPa
Max Crush Strength 81 MPa

Overview

Certifications Available
FSC

Seasoning
The timber dries slowly without appreciable degradation but if submitted to rapid drying conditions, there is a definite tendency for end splitting and surface checking to occur. It has a low shrinkage factor. 

Working Qualities
Saws well, however, with the fairly high incidence of gum, saws tend to become clogged. It planes well but there is a tendency for the grain to tear out in quarter-sawn material. A reduction in the cutting angle to 20º is beneficial. The wood tends to split when nailing but holds screws well and can be stained and polished reasonably well, however, patches of oil that exude may affect the finish. The yellow deposits are soluble in water and the dye produced does stain. If, however, early attention is given to any staining it can generally be removed by scrubbing with milk or lactic acid. 

Uses
Very good heavy construction timber. Ideally suited for decking and outdoor furniture. It is also used in internal joinery and flooring, striking tool handles and carving.