Lauan (Philippine Mahogany)
Shorea spp. • Hardwood (Exotic/Tropical)
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-textured appearance. The surface shows a rotary-cut veneer pattern typical of plywood face sheets.
Color Description
Reddish-brown to tan heartwood with a fairly uniform color. Sapwood is typically a lighter yellowish-gray. It has a moderate natural luster that may darken slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
860 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. Poor resistance to rot and insect attack; susceptible to termites and powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Plywood face veneers, interior paneling, hollow-core doors, light construction, drawer bottoms, and inexpensive furniture components.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, primarily the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (though usually sold by the 4x8 sheet, ranging from $25-$55 depending on thickness).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (Less than 10 years). The surface appears to be a contemporary industrially-produced plywood sheet with no significant oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Many species of Shorea are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and over-logging. Some FSC sources are available but limited.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause some fuzzing during sanding. Glues and finishes well, but requires a wood filler for a smooth finish due to open pores.
Notable Features
Often has a faint, disagreeable odor when freshly cut; dust can be a respiratory irritant. It is a very lightweight hardwood often used as a substitute for true mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Seal with a sanding sealer or wood filler first; takes stains reasonably well. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for protective topcoats.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic reddish-tan color, open grain texture, and specific visual characteristics of a thin rotary-cut veneer are hallmark identifiers of Lauan plywood.