Merbau (Intsia bijuga)

Also known as: Kwila, Ipil, Vesi, Johnstone River Teak, Scrub Mahogany

Why Choose Merbau?

Merbau is a premium hardwood prized for its exceptional density and durability. Kiln-dried and dimensionally stable, it stands up to the harshest conditions—making it perfect for exposed, external applications.

Natural Quality: Sourced from Southeast Asia, Merbau’s tight grain structure delivers a uniform, attractive finish.
Built to Last: Naturally fire resistant, termite resistant and compliant with Australian Standard AS3959 for bushfire resistance.
Versatile Applications: Ideal for construction, decking, outdoor furniture and interior joinery.

Feature	Benefit
Dimensionally Stable	Minimises movement, reducing warping and splitting
Kiln Dried	Enhanced moisture control for long-term performance
High Density & Durable	Exceptional strength for heavy-duty use
Fire Resistant	Meets AS3959 bushfire-resistance standards
Termite Resistant	Naturally protected against insect damage

Pricing and Sizing*	Price
90×19 mm	$5.75 / Lineal Meter (Inc GST)
140×19 mm	$9.00 / Lineal Meter (Inc GST)
90×90 mm	$39.00 / Lineal Meter + GST
140×42 mm	$30.00 / Lineal Meter + GST
190×42 mm	$42.00 / Lineal Meter + GST
290×42 mm	$69.00 / Lineal Meter + GST

*Some other sizes available, inquire with us today on (02) 4577 5277

History of Merbau

Merbau (Intsia bijuga) is a highly valued hardwood native to tropical forests across Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Islands, and northern Queensland. Renowned for its exceptional natural durability and strength, Merbau has long been employed in heavy-duty engineering, construction, and marine applications. In domestic settings, it appears as outdoor furniture in backyards and serves as stylish joinery and flooring indoors.

Because Merbau is harvested from tropical forests—sometimes from areas with weak land-use controls—it’s important to seek certified sources. In Australia, certified Merbau is available, and suppliers who participate in chain-of-custody and DNA-tracking programs can guarantee legally and sustainably managed origins.

In its natural range—including North Queensland, Malaysia, Fiji, Vietnam, the Philippines, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Samoa—Merbau trees can reach heights of 40 m with trunks up to 0.6 m in diameter. These broad-canopied trees are known by various local names but share the same prized characteristics.

Freshly cut Merbau heartwood displays a warm yellow-orange to brown hue that matures into a deeper red over time, creating an eye-catching contrast with the pale sapwood. The grain is typically interlocked or wavy, with a coarse yet even texture that highlights the wood’s beauty, especially when backsawn.

Merbau accepts paints, stains, and polishes very well, although occasional gum bleed may require extra preparation. Beyond large-scale construction and outdoor decking, its workability makes it popular for barbecue trolleys, joinery, flooring, and fittings. Skilled craftsmen also turn Merbau on lathes and carve it into fine cabinets, musical instruments, boat components, and tool handles—demonstrating its remarkable versatility.