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Dark Red Meranti
Description
Sapwood lighter in colour and distinct from the heartwood which is red-brown darkening to a dark red; planed surfaces fairly lustrous, stripe figure on radial surfaces. Grey-coloured narrow streaks are often present on all longitudinal surfaces, caused by concentric layers of resin canals. The texture is rather coarse but even, and the grain is interlocked and wavy.
Features
Use
Cladding, Furniture Joinery – Interior/Exterior
Colour
Reddish/brown
Durability
Slightly durable durable
Density in kg/m3
710
The European Ash
The Tree
A tall, graceful tree, reaching a height of 30m to 42m on good sites, with a clear bole averaging 9m in length, and occasionally more. The diameter varies from 0.5m to 1.5m.
The Timber
There is usually no distinction in colour between sapwood and heartwood, freshly cut wood being whitish to pale brown with a pink cast, turning to a slightly brownish-white after drying. In some logs, an irregular dark brown or black heartwood is found, but this is not necessarily a defect, as the timber is normally quite sound. Logs containing dark heart streaks are often enhanced in value because of the decorative nature of the wood which is known as olive ash.
Drying
Dries at a fairly rapid rate without excessive surface checking and splitting, but under the influence of severe temperatures, there is a tendency to distort and for end splitting to occur. Distorted stock responds well to reconditioning kiln treatment.
Strength
Similar to oak in general strength properties, but tougher and more resistant to splitting.
Working Qualities
Good – Although tough, ash works and machines quite well, and finishes to a reasonably smooth finish. It can be glued, stained, and polished.
The European ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) is native to Europe, the British Isles, North Africa, and Western Asia.
