Choosing the right type of wood for your project is not an easy task. Although there are many good wood options available, we have to choose a wood that meets all the requirements of our project.
If you are looking for a wood that is durable as well as strong, then Merbau and Teak can be good options for you. In this blog post, we are going to compare two excellent kinds of wood, Merbau and Teak. Let us see what the characteristics of these woods are and which one you should choose for your project.
Merbau and Teak are both excellent hardwoods. Merbau is harder and stronger than Teak, but Teak is more resistant to insects and is extremely durable. Both can be used for interior and exterior projects.
Table of Contents
What Is Merbau Wood?
Merbau wood is durable and resistant to rot and insects. It is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. It is also known as Kwila or Ipil.
Merbau wood is popular because it is extremely durable and pest-resistant, even when in contact with the ground.
What Is Teak Wood?
Teak is one of the most durable and moisture-resistant hardwoods and is native to southern Asia. It is popular because of its closed grain and natural resistance to rot.
Generally, there are many types of teak. Some popular types include Chinese teak wood, Brazilian teak wood, South American teak, and Burma/Burmese teak wood.
Difference Between Merbau and Teak Wood
| # | Merbau Wood | Teak Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Intsia bijuga | Tectona grandis |
| Average Dried Weight | 51 lbs/ft³ (815 kg/m³) | 40.9 lbs/ft³ (655 kg/m³) |
| Janka Hardness | 1,840 lbf (7,620 N) | 1,070 lbf (4,740 N) |
| Crushing Strength | 10,650 lbf/in² (73.4 MPa) | 7,940 lbf/in² (54.8 MPa) |
| Tree Height | 130–165 ft (40–50 m) tall | 130–165 ft (40–50 m) tall |
| Wood Color | Orangish-brown | Golden to dark brown |
| Durability | Durable | Extremely durable |
| Wood Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
The Durability of Merbau and Teak
Teak is highly durable against rot, decay, and termites, whereas Merbau generally has good durability against moisture and outdoor elements.
Uses
Merbau wood is often used in outdoor applications, such as decking, fencing, and garden furniture, as well as indoor applications such as flooring, cabinetry, and furniture. Its hardness also makes Merbau suitable for flooring because it is less prone to dents and scratches.
Merbau wood can withstand outdoor elements. Therefore, it can be used in places where there is exposure to moisture and sunlight.
Teak wood is widely used for furniture, flooring, veneer, and exterior construction. Teak wood is highly resistant to moisture, which is why it is often used for making boats.
Appearance
Merbau wood ranges from yellow to reddish-brown, with yellow streaks running through it. It has straight to interlocking grain patterns.
Teak wood can range from golden-brown to a honey-golden tone, depending on the type. Teak wood turns light silver-gray over time when exposed to the elements. Overall, it looks beautiful after finishing compared with many other hardwoods.
Rot Resistance
Merbau wood is naturally resistant to insects and termites, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor use. Teak is also highly resistant to rot and insects and contains a high amount of natural oil, which makes it water-resistant.
Which Is Denser, Merbau or Teak Wood?
Merbau wood is harder and denser than Teak wood. Merbau has a Janka hardness rating of 1,840 lbf (7,620 N), while Teak has a Janka hardness rating of 1,070 lbf (4,740 N). Wood has an average weight of 51 lbs/ft³ (815 kg/m³), while Teak wood has an average weight of 40.9 lbs/ft³ (655 kg/m³).
Here, the Janka hardness values of some popular woods are given so that you can get an idea of the hardness of Teak and Merbau.
| Wood Species | Janka Hardness |
|---|---|
| Cherry Wood | 950 lbf (4,230 N) |
| Black Walnut Wood | 1,010 lbf (4,500 N) |
| Teak Wood | 1,070 lbf (4,740 N) |
| English Oak | 1,120 lbf (4,980 N) |
| White Oak Wood | 1,350 lbf (5,900 N) |
| Black Locust Wood | 1,700 lbf (7,560 N) |
| Merbau Wood | 1,840 lbf (7,620 N) |
| Brazilian Koa | 2,160 lbf (9,600 N) |
Working Properties of Merbau and Teak
Generally, Merbau wood is easy to work with but can be difficult to saw due to its high density. Merbau wood takes stain, glue, and finishes well.
Teak is moderately easy to work with hand and machine tools. However, Teak contains a high amount of silica (about 1.4%), which can quickly dull cutting blades. Teak wood finishes well, and after finishing, it looks beautiful.
Seasoning of Merbau and Teak
Merbau and Teak wood both take time to dry properly. Teak wood takes about three weeks to dry using a kiln-drying process, while Merbau wood takes about three to four weeks to dry completely. The air-drying process for both types of wood can take 8 to 16 months.
Availability and Sustainability of Merbau and Teak
Merbau wood is moderately available, but due to high demand, there can sometimes be a shortage. Teak wood is rare and difficult to find because it grows in certain parts of the world. The cost of lumber can increase due to transportation to other locations.
Teak wood is considered sustainable when it comes from responsibly managed forests. Teak is not listed in the CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List, while Merbau populations have declined by 20% over the past few decades.
Cost Differences Between Merbau and Teak
Both Merbau and Teak are expensive wood species, and there is not much difference in their price. Teak wood can cost around $15 to $20 per board foot, while Merbau wood can cost around $10 to $15 per board foot.
The price of wood depends on many factors, such as thickness, quality, and location.
Which Is Better for Furniture, Merbau or Teak?
Teak wood is more popular than Merbau for making furniture because Teak has a beautiful appearance and good heat resistance. Merbau wood is also a good choice for outdoor furniture.
Which Is Better for Flooring, Merbau or Teak?
Merbau and Teak are both popular choices for flooring. Merbau wood has a high density, so it is less prone to dents and scratches.
On the other hand, Teak is known for its beautiful color and grain. Teak is one of the most durable wood species for flooring because it is resistant to moisture and humidity. Teak flooring can also add value to your home.
Which Is Better for Decking, Merbau or Teak?
Merbau wood is an excellent choice for decking because it is naturally resistant to rot and insects. Merbau wood can also withstand weather and moisture. Its dense grain helps reduce moisture absorption.
Teak is another good choice for durable decking. Teak wood contains natural oils that help protect it from rot and insects. Merbau decking can last 25 to 30 years with regular care, while Teak decking can last 15–20 years.
Conclusion
Overall, Merbau makes an excellent choice if you are looking for something strong and durable. However, if you are looking for a wood with a great appearance and high resistance to rot, Teak is a good choice. That is why Teak wood is commonly used for both indoor and outdoor applications, while Merbau is also popular for demanding outdoor projects.