Damianos Giannidis

Botanical Name: Intsia Bijuga Also known as Kwila, Ipil, Vesi, Johnstone River Teak or Scrub Mahogany The wood grain is variable but usually interlocked or wavy, which produces a ribbon figure on the radial surface. The timber has a coarse but even texture. It has a characteristic oily odour when cut. Once cut, the heartwood will initially appear as yellowish-brown or orange-brown before deepening to a pale to dark reddish brown. Merbau is a versatile wood product. It is utilized for larger-scale projects and general construction, along with common use for outdoor settings and barbeque trolleys, and for joinery, flooring and fitting purposes. As it turns well and responds to hand tools it can be applied to more specialized work, such as cabinet making, musical instruments, boat building, carving and tool handles

Botanical Name: Shorea spp. Also known as Yellow Balau, Balau Kuning, Selagan Batu Native to Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, Bangkirai is a dense hardwood used mainly for heavy construction. The heartwood of Bangkirai is yellow to brown, which is distinct from the paler sapwood. Its moderately fine and even texture presents and interlocked grain, which produces a stripe figure on the radial surface. Bangkirai is also susceptible to pinhole borer damage. In relation to its density, Bangkirai is relatively easy to work. It does not contain sillica, however resin pockets may be present, meaning resin can build up on cutting equipment. Pre-drilling is advisable when nailing. Bangkirai can be painted, stained and polished but is not suitable for steam bending.