Lauan (Philippine Mahogany)
Shorea spp. • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; lacks distinctive figure but often shows a stringy or fibrous face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a light yellowish-brown to a pale pinkish-brown (Light Red Meranti group). Sapwood is usually lighter and not always clearly demarcated. It tends to darken slightly with age but can fade if exposed to direct UV.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Non-durable; poor resistance to marine borers and varies in resistance to rot depending on specific Shorea species.
Common Uses
Plywood cores, utility lumber, interior trim, secondary furniture components, and light construction.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, primarily the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 10 years); the surface shows minimal oxidation, lacks a deep patina, and appears to be a contemporary mill-cut board.
Sustainability Status
Many species in the Shorea genus are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List; CITES Appendix II for certain origins. FSC certification is common for responsible sourcing.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause fuzzy surfaces or tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often has a characteristic 'cardboard' or faint cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Low silica content relative to other tropical hardwoods. It is relatively lightweight and can be quite brittle.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. A light sanding followed by a sealer or polyurethane is standard. Due to open pores, a grain filler may be used if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the tan-pink hue, stringy grain texture, and overall lack of distinct rings or rays are highly characteristic of utility-grade Lauan/Meranti often found in DIY shops and lumberyards.