Philippine Mahogany (Lauan)
Shorea spp. (most commonly Shorea contorta or Shorea polysperma) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood (Veneer)
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a prominent rotary-cut cathedral figure; texture is coarse and open-pored.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish-brown with a golden luster. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated but usually lighter. Color darkens slightly with age to a more uniform reddish shade.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; poor resistance to decay and insect attack, especially in house-door applications susceptible to moisture.
Common Uses
Plywood, interior doors, paneling, trim, millwork, and low-cost furniture.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $6.00 per board foot (standard lumber); veneer prices vary by substrate.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years, based on the style of the flush-mount door construction and the oxidation of the original lacquer finish.
Sustainability Status
Several species of Shorea are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to logging; not CITES listed but sustainability varies by source.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause some fuzzing or tearing during planing/sanding. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Subtle cedar-like scent when freshly worked; high silica content can dull tools faster than domestic hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil or wiping varnish; sanding sealer is highly recommended due to the open-pored nature to achieve a smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the ribbon-like cathedral grain and reddish-tan color are diagnostic for utility-grade Lauan veneer used on mid-century to late-20th-century interior doors.
Notes
Veneer on door