Red Meranti good choice for decking? - Woodworking Talk

cabowabo · 06-24-2009, 12:29 AM

Hi All,

Replacing decking in the Northeast and came across some real nice 6" Red Meranti for a good price. I have heard conflicting views on it's durability and ability to last outdoors so I wanted to ask the pro's. Thanks for any opinions and experiences with this wood as decking.

Mike

Just Bill · 06-24-2009, 07:47 AM

Never heard of it so did a search, lots od hits. Comes in light red, dark red. Common in Europe, good for window frames, joinery, heavy construction, etc., so I guess it is OK for decks.

Boardman · 06-24-2009, 09:00 AM

My understanding is that meranti is just another name for Phillipine mahogany, which isn't really a "mahogany" at all. It was called that in order to market it after supplies of the real mahoganies began to dwindle. Also known as luaun.

It's fairly light weight and in my experience, dents easily. I do think it would probably hold up to weather pretty well though.