Keruing wood is a type of hardwood obtained from various species of trees in the Dipterocarpaceae family, primarily found in Southeast Asia, including countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Known for its durability and strength, keruing timber is horny in cutting across the grain, and whereas straight grained material is capable of clean, slightly fibrous finish in planing and moulding, quarter-sawn, or interlocked-grain material picks up during these operations unless cutting angles are reduced to 20°. The wood stains satisfactorily, but due to the resin, varnishing and polishing require a lot of care. It takes nails and screws reasonably well, but its gluing properties are variable.
APPLICATIONS :
Keruing timber is used for general construction purposes. Other common uses inlude protected framing and boards, internal joinery and mouldings, lining, paneling, and framework. Preservative-treated material is used for poles and piles.
- Furniture: Its attractive grain and finish make it popular for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
- Flooring: Keruing's resistance to wear makes it a good choice for flooring materials.
- Construction: It is used in building structures and marine applications due to its ability to withstand moisture and pests.
The wood typically has a color range from light brown to reddish-brown and can feature a straight or interlocking grain. While keruing is valued for its properties, sourcing it sustainably is essential due to concerns over deforestation and environmental impact.