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Kwila (Merbau)

ITI NZ

Kwila is a high-quality, strong and durable hardwood. The heartwood is yellowish-brown, brown or dark red, red-brown, turning to a dark red-brown with age. The wood is hard and heavy, the texture moderately coarse but even, and the grain may be straight or interlocked but is often wavy. Sulphur-yellow and dark-colored deposits are characteristic of the species and can be commonly seen in vessel cavities. Kwila timber is prone to "bleeding" when wet, producing dark-red-brown staining.

Details
Specifications

Botanical Name
Intsia spp 

Other Names
Merbau (Malaysia), Vesi (Fiji) 

Origin
Southwest Asia

Scope of use

Interior

  • Structure
  • Furniture
  • Flooring 

Exterior

  • Structure
  • Deck/Floor
  • Doors/Windows
  • Wall/Cladding
Features

Working Properties
Kwila saws well, however, with the fairly high incidence of gum occurring, saws tend to become clogged. It planes well but there is a tendency for the grain to tear out in quarter-sawn material. The wood tends to split when nailing but holds screws well and can be stained and polished reasonably well. However, patches of oil can exude and may affect the finish. The yellow deposits are soluble in water and the dye produced does stain. If early attention is given to any staining it can generally be removed by scrubbing with milk or lactic acid. 

Main uses
Landscaping & heavy construction, flooring, decking, exterior joinery & construction, interior joinery & furniture and mouldings. Well suited for premium heavy construction due to its low shrinkage and durability.

Basic Info

Durability In Ground Perishable/Non Durable
Durability Above Ground Durable 

Density Air Dry 830 kg/m3 

Shrinkage Radial 2 %
Shrinkage Tangental 3 % 

Stability Kiln Dry Very Stable
Stability Green Stable

Mechanical Properties

Janka Hardness 8.6 kN
Modulus of Rupture 147 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity 18 GPa
Max Crush Strength 81 MPa

Overview

Certifications Available
FSC

Seasoning
The timber dries slowly without appreciable degradation but if submitted to rapid drying conditions, there is a definite tendency for end splitting and surface checking to occur. It has a low shrinkage factor. 

Working Qualities
Saws well, however, with the fairly high incidence of gum, saws tend to become clogged. It planes well but there is a tendency for the grain to tear out in quarter-sawn material. A reduction in the cutting angle to 20º is beneficial. The wood tends to split when nailing but holds screws well and can be stained and polished reasonably well, however, patches of oil that exude may affect the finish. The yellow deposits are soluble in water and the dye produced does stain. If, however, early attention is given to any staining it can generally be removed by scrubbing with milk or lactic acid. 

Uses
Very good heavy construction timber. Ideally suited for decking and outdoor furniture. It is also used in internal joinery and flooring, striking tool handles and carving.

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About the
Seller

ITI NZ, formerly known as ITI Timspec, began as Timspec, a specialist timber wholesaler committed to providing quality timber products with reliable service, value, visuals and versatility. In March 2019, Timspec Ltd was acquired by ITI NZ Ltd, becoming ITI Timspec, before later rebranding to ITI NZ Ltd.

As part of the wider ITI Group, ITI NZ continues to grow its product range and service offering across New Zealand. The acquisitions of Rosenfeld Kidson and Hermpac have further strengthened the business by adding respected industry knowledge, trusted timber brands and a wider range of premium timber solutions.

These acquisitions have also helped expand our offering across cladding, cedar products, flashings, external corners and related timber accessories, allowing us to support architects, builders and merchants with a more complete solution.

ITI NZ sources timber from trusted mills and suppliers around the world and works hard to provide quality products, reliable service and strong relationships across the building industry.

Verified ArchiPro Member10 years · Since 2016