Meranti Wooden windows – Light Red and Dark Red
Meranti is a group of tropical Shorea species from South-East Asia. At SM WOOD we offer two distinct varieties: Light Red Meranti (480 kg/m³, λ 0.13 W/m·K, neutral tone) and Dark Red Meranti (675 kg/m³, λ ~0.16 W/m·K, dense and durable with a reddish-purple hue). Both are available from stock across all our window and door series.
Density 480‑675 kg/m³
Two varieties
Janka 2,460‑3,570 N
Hardness range
Durability Class 2‑4
Light Red / Dark Red
Two Varieties, One Species – Light Red and Dark Red Meranti
Light Red Meranti (480 kg/m³, λ 0.13 W/m·K) is the thermally superior variety, with a neutral tone under stains. Dark Red Meranti (675 kg/m³, λ ~0.16 W/m·K) is significantly denser, harder and more durable, with a distinct reddish-purple appearance – typically specified for entrance doors and natural-material facades. The choice between the two affects the Uf-value, sash weight and long-term durability.
Technical Data – Light Red Meranti
|
Property |
Value |
|
Density |
480 kg/m³ |
|
Janka Hardness |
2,460 N |
|
Bending Strength |
77.3 MPa |
|
Modulus of Elasticity |
11.39 GPa |
|
Compressive Strength |
42.2 MPa |
|
Radial Shrinkage |
4.1 % |
|
Tangential Shrinkage |
7.8 % |
|
Volumetric Shrinkage |
12.6 % |
|
Thermal Conductivity (λ) |
~0.13 W/m·K |
|
Natural Durability Class |
3‑4 |
Technical Data – Dark Red Meranti
|
Property |
Value |
|
Density |
675 kg/m³ |
|
Janka Hardness |
3,570 N |
|
Bending Strength |
87.7 MPa |
|
Modulus of Elasticity |
12.02 GPa |
|
Compressive Strength |
48.8 MPa |
|
Radial Shrinkage |
3.9 % |
|
Tangential Shrinkage |
7.8 % |
|
Volumetric Shrinkage |
12.5 % |
|
Thermal Conductivity (λ) |
~0.16 W/m·K |
|
Natural Durability Class |
2‑3 |
What these figures mean for joinery: Dark Red Meranti (675 kg/m³) is as dense as European oak, giving it superior hardness (3,570 N Janka) and the best radial stability in our common range (3.9% shrinkage). Light Red (480 kg/m³) is lighter and thermally more efficient (λ 0.13). The choice between them influences the frame Uf-value, sash weight and long-term durability margin. Both varieties stay dimensionally stable in laminated profiles and resist the Romanian freeze-thaw cycles well.
Performance in Windows
Meranti delivers a unique balance of thermal efficiency, dimensional stability, and tropical aesthetics.
1
Thermal
Light Red: λ 0.13 W/m·K – similar to Nordic Pine, thermally efficient. Dark Red: λ ~0.16 W/m·K – closer to Oak. For PHPP‑strict projects, Light Red or Spruce are optimal; Dark Red prioritises durability and aesthetics over Uf.
2
Acoustic
Light Red (480 kg/m³) is less dense than Nordic pine, with no intrinsic acoustic gain. Dark Red (675 kg/m³, the same as oak) contributes to sound attenuation in the way hardwoods do. The glazing and seals remain the dominant factors.
3
Finish
Both varieties accept translucent stains and opaque RAL paints. A stain is frequently specified to allow visual inspection of the wood during maintenance. Light Red shows a discreet warm tone; Dark Red reveals a bold reddish‑purple character.
Long‑term Performance
Meranti profiles have a proven track record in joinery.
Dimensional Stability
Laminated meranti profiles move minimally during humidity changes. Dark Red (radial shrinkage 3.9%) is the most stable in our common range.
Natural Durability
Dark Red (Class 2‑3) is more resistant than Light Red (Class 3‑4). Both require a factory finish. With 4 layers of Remmers Aqua Stopp, a 10‑year maintenance cycle is sufficient.
Proven Longevity
With a correct factory finish and documented maintenance, meranti gives a long service life in joinery.
Note: both varieties originate from Southeast Asia, and Shorea species appear on the IUCN Red List. FSC certification is available on request to guarantee a sustainable origin.
Advantages of Meranti
Advantages
Disadvantages
Comparison with Other Essences
How Meranti (Light Red / Dark Red) compares to the most common alternatives.
Meranti vs Spruce
Spruce wins on thermal performance (λ 0.11) and cost. Meranti wins on dimensional stability, appearance under stain and the option of Dark Red’s Class 2-3 durability. For opaque nZEB projects, spruce is the economic choice; for a natural-look window, meranti is technically superior.
Meranti vs Oak
Light Red λ 0.13 against oak 0.18 – meranti is thermally better. Dark Red λ 0.16 sits between oak and Light Red. Oak keeps its lead in hardness (4,980 N Janka) and grain expressiveness. Meranti is the alternative when a warm tropical tone is preferred over European grain.
Meranti vs Nordic Pine
Similar λ for Light Red (0.13). Meranti offers better dimensional stability (radial 3.9‑4.1% vs 5.2%) and the more durable Dark Red option. Both are in stock with equal lead times; the choice hinges on appearance and the required durability margin.
Appearance and Colour
Light Red Meranti: Straw to light reddish, neutral and easy to combine with modern finishes. Dark Red Meranti: Deep reddish‑brown with purple hues and occasional white resin streaks – expressive, distinctive, and sought‑after for natural‑material facades. Under translucent stains, the tropical character is immediately visible; under opaque RAL, both varieties look identical.
Availability & SM WOOD Execution
Key Details
Price depends on the chosen variety, profile, and dimensions – request a free quotation. For B2B projects we supply complete PHPP data (Uf, Uw, Ug, g‑value, psi‑spacer) upon request.