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Pacific Kwila (Merbau) |
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| Pacific Kwila, also known
as Merbau, is a resinous tropical hardwood
principally forested in Malaysia, Indonesia
and the Solomon Islands of the South Pacific,
but also found in Papua New Guineau and
Northern Australia. It is regarded as one
of the most durable timbers in the world
and has been used for many generations in
boat building, flooring, external decking,
marine jetties, and even salt-water jetty
stumps.
Merbau has a hardness factor of 8.6 compared
to other popular timbers species such as
Jarrah (8.5), Cypress Pine (6.5), Teak (4.5),
and Western Red Cedar (1.5). |
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Pacific Kwila is one of the world’s most stable
woods with less than 3% shrinkage at 12% moisture content
and is classified as one of the world’s “ironwoods."
It is double the density of teak and is 50% more dense
than Oak. It has been used extensively in Southeast
Asia for everything from railroad ties to shipbuilding.
Europeans have prized its appearance and durability
for centuries and it is found in many European cathedrals
including the Dom in Cologne Germany. Furniture made
from Pacific Kwila is extremely strong and durable.
The wood contains a natural oil that is its secret and
protects it from rotting, insects and weather. The wood
is naturally deep red or reddish brown typically.
Pacific Kwila requires no maintenance. However, if
the original appearance is to be retained, it will require
coating with a lightweight oil 1-3 times a year typically.
An oil treatment or penetrating stain and/or sealer
can be used. Pacific Kwila has a life expectancy of
25 – 50 years with no maintenance. The only characteristic
to remember is that the surface oil will bleed or weep
initially when exposed to moisture and can stain. It
is recommended to place the furniture where it will
not stain anything during this time. Once the bleeding
has finished, usually after an overnight rain or several
days, Pacific Kwila never bleeds again. A great deal
for a product that will serve you for the rest of your
life! All exposed hardware on the furniture products
is yellow zinc plated and brass fittings are used in
all key areas.
Prior to manufacture, Pacific Kwila is kiln dried at
a very high temperature. This is done for two reasons:
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To stabilize the structure and moisture content
of the timber.
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To eradicate any infestation. In the forest, many
creatures live on and within the trees.
This timber exhibits not only beautiful grain &
appearance, but also durability when compared to other
timbers used for outdoor furniture. When compared to
other outdoor furniture products Pacific Kwila is:
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Easier to clean and keep clean.
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Offers better durability in a wide variety of
climates.
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Does not expand and contract as severely as other
outdoor furniture products.
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Naturally red to reddish brown in appearance and
can be returned to the original appearance after
turning grey with a minimum effort.
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Significantly stronger than most other outdoor
furniture products.
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Uses all stainless steel, yellow zinc or brass
hardware for maximum life.
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Kwila products are designed with comfort first.
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The best value for a product that will last for
decades and continue looking great!
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