MERBAU

Merbau or also known as Kwila or Pacific Kwila is a tropical timber that naturally grows in various regions throughout the South East Pacific rim, such as Northern Queensland, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Fiji.The attractive yellow-orange brown hue of freshly cut heartwood deepens or reddens with ageing. Beyond that, merbau is quite resistant to termites and seasons well with kiln or air-drying, exhibiting only a low degrade and very little shrinkage or movement. The grain of merbau can vary but it is usually interlocked or wavy, with a coarse but even texture, often prized for its attractiveness on backsawn material. With its high degree of natural durability and strength it features in backyards as outdoor furniture.

PROPERTIES

• Stability and natural resistance to splitting, warping, cracking, or peeling
• Very high hardness rating
• Rich in texture and color
• All furniture can remain permanently outdoors in all climate
• Natural oil in Merbau makes it extremely durable
• Minimal shrinkage
• Not subject to insect infestation
• Withstand extreme weather conditions
• Merbau has a "Rating 1" Australian Department of Primary Industries rating, which is the highest standard of suitability for timber used in outdoor furniture

LEACHING AND BLEEDING AND SOLUTION

Merbau is a very oily timber, one of the reasons that it is successfully used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture. The sap is the oil that occurs naturally (also known as Tannin), deep in the timber, which uniquely protects the timber from splitting and cracking. However, the furniture leaches when first exposed to rain, heavy dew and other moisture. The oil comes from excess sap, which can easily be flushed away through hosing the furniture.
If you choose to wash down your Merbau by hosing, it may take several hours before the Tannin will bleed or leach out of the furniture. In some instances, the use of a sprinkler to wash down the product may take longer to release the tannins.

MAINTENANCE

Once you have thoroughly washed the product, it will only require regular oiling to maintain its original appearance. The climate conditions of your region will determine how often you oil the furniture.
By regularly oiling your outdoor furniture, you will maintain the original color of the furniture. However, even without regular additional oiling only end checking of the timber will occur, no matter how exposed the furniture is to weather conditions. Sunlight will cause the color to gradually fade and if left un-oiled, Merbau will weather to a light silver-grey color. Once the product is dry after washing, it is also recommended that a light application of oil is applied to the timber.
Any deck or wooden outdoor furniture oil with a UV stabilizer and anti-fungal additive will be suitable.