Keruing

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Apitong

Durability Notes:
Moderately durable

Seasoning:
The drying and seasoning of Keruing is dependant on a number of factors; the speed in which it is processed after felling and logging, the method of drying and the specific kilns or location (if air dried). Generally the care taken by those processing the wood will have an impact on its drying and seasoning. As an overview; Keruing - Movement in service is fairly large. Please note that all wood is liable to move when in service plus there can be dimensional change. The extent of this will depend on; the stability of the species itself, the conditions it is exposed to, the coating, decoration and protection. You will find more information about the suitability of this wood, for any proposed application, by using our interactive system and the filters shown.

Properties:
The grain of Keruing normally fairly straight. With a medium to coarse texture and tolerable natural gloss. Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though silica present in the wood tends to blunt cutters slightly. Also, resin can exude from the wood and build up on tools and also make wood finishing a challenge.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Flooring, Cabinetry, Decking, Boat Building, Mouldings, Joinery, Veneer.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 12-18% for KD

Interesting Facts:
This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but many species of Dipterocarpus are on the IUCN Red List. They are listed as critically endangered due to a population reduction of over 80% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.

Commonly asked questions about Keruing Wood

Is Keruing a hardwood or a softwood? Keruing is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Keruing hardwood or softwood? - Keruing is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Keruing family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Keruing? Keruing can be described as brown, dark brown, dark red

Is Keruing good for outdoor use? or is Keruing good for exterior use? Keruing is most suited for internal/interior use. Keruing should not be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood