Meranti
Also called: lauan, seraya, shorea
One page. Other spellings and regional names stay on this URL.
Meranti is a group of timbers, including White seraya, used in woodwork, with the particular uses depending on the timber.
A group name
The meranti groups have strength and shrinkage properties that compare favourably with northern red oak. Shrinkage is the change in a board's size as it loses moisture, so it matters when parts must remain in place as they dry.
White seraya
White seraya is used for joinery, the making and fitting of wooden joints, and for light construction. It is also used for moulding, a shaped decorative strip, millwork, machined wood components, flooring, plywood, furniture and cabinet work.
Do not blur the names
White seraya is similar in appearance and strength properties to light red meranti, and the two are sometimes mixed in the market. That similarity does not make every meranti board white seraya, so identify the particular material when its properties matter.