Lauan (Philippine Mahogany)
Shorea spp. • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; typically rotary-cut for door veneers revealing wide, sweeping cathedral-like patterns and occasional ribbon figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pink to a medium reddish-brown. Color tends to darken slightly with age and exposure to light. Low to moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
~390 to 800 lbf (Very Soft to Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; low resistance to rot and insect attack, typically used for interior applications only.
Common Uses
Plywood, interior doors, veneer, paneling, and utility lumber.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, primarily the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (standard grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 30-50 years based on the hardware style and typical mid-to-late 20th-century residential construction materials.
Sustainability Status
Many species are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to over-harvesting; FSC certified sources are preferred but less common for older utility veneers.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause some tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often has a faint, cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Not a true mahogany (Swietenia), but shares a similar appearance. Silica content in some species can slightly dull cutters.
Finish Recommendations
Absorbs stain well but can be blotchy; a sanding sealer is recommended before applying lacquer or polyurethane for a smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific grain texture, color, and application as a thin residential door veneer are hallmark traits of Lauan plywood used in 20th-century housing.
Notes
Door veneer