Pacific
Kwila Timber
General Information
Pacific Kwila - also known as Merbau, Indonesian
Teak, Pacific Teak, Pacific Cherry, Pacific Rattan,
Afzelia, and Borneo Teak, is a resinous tropical
hardwood principally forested in Malaysia, Indonesia,
Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon islands of the
South Pacific.
It is regarded as one of the most durable timbers
in the world and has been used for many generations
in boat building, flooring, external decking,
marine jetties and even salt water jetty stumps.
This exotic hardwood has a high oil content which
makes it practically impervious to harsh weather
and threats from insects.
This timber exhibits not only beautiful grain
& appearance, but also durability when compared
to other timbers used for outdoor furniture. When
compared to other outdoor furniture products Pacific
Kwila is:
- Easier to clean and keep clean.
- Offers better durability in a wide variety
of climates.
- Does not expand and contract as severely
as other outdoor furniture products.
- Naturally red to reddish brown in appearance
and can be returned to the original appearance
after turning gray with a minimum effort.
- Significantly stronger than most other outdoor
furniture products.
- Uses all stainless steel, yellow zinc or
brass hardware for maximum life.
- Kwila products are designed with comfort
first.
- The best value for a product that will last
for decades and continue looking great!
All Pacific Kwila furniture is sourced from strictly
managed forest areas under the guidelines of the
International
Tropical Timber Organization. In accordance
with the Forestry Institute of Malaysia and the
Indonesian National Policy of Forest Management,
all timber is supplied under the guidelines of
the International Timber Treaty Organization (ITTO)
and in compliance with the Sustainable Management
of Tropical Forests, as set down by the ITTO.
Kwila's stability, minimal shrinkage, and natural
resistance to splitting provide the opportunity
to present to the market, furniture which can
remain permanently outside. Prior to Manufacture,
Kwila is kiln dried at very high temperatures.
This is done for two reasons:
- To stabilize the structure and moisture content
of the timer.
- To eradicate any infestation. In the forest,
many creatures live on, and within the trees.
Between 12-16% moisture is retained to prevent
excessive cracking.
Pacific Kwila requires no maintenance. However,
if the original appearance is to be retained,
it will require coating with a lightweight oil
1-3 times a year typically. An oil treatment or
penetrating stain and/or sealer can be used. Pacific
Kwila has a life expectancy of 25 – 50 years
with no maintenance. The only characteristic to
remember is that the surface oil will bleed or
weep initially when exposed to moisture and can
stain. It is recommended to place the furniture
where it will not stain anything during this time.
Once the bleeding has finished, usually after
an overnight rain or several days, Pacific Kwila
never bleeds again. A great deal for a product
that will serve you for the rest of your life!
All exposed hardware on the furniture products
is yellow zinc plated and brass fittings are used
in all key areas.
If not treated, Pacific Kwila will gradually
weather to a silver gray color, and some checking
(minor cracking) may occur. This checking is a
normal process as the timber ages and does not
affect the integrity or longevity of the timber.
Hardness
Kwila has a Janka hardness factor of 8.6 compared
to other popular timber species such as Jarrah
(8.5), Cypress Pine (6.5), Teak (4.5), and Western
Red Ceder (1.5). Janka hardness is a test that
measures the pounds of force it takes to drive
a .44" diameter steel ball 1/2 its depth
into the wood.
Pacific Kwila is double the density of teak and
is 50% more dense than Oak. It has been used extensively
in Southeast Asia for everything from railroad
ties to shipbuilding. Europeans have prized its
appearance and durability for centuries and it
is found in many European cathedrals including
the Dom in Cologne Germany. Furniture made from
Pacific Kwila is extremely strong and durable.The
wood is naturally deep red or reddish brown typically.
Stability & Durability
Pacific Kwila is one of the world’s most
stable woods with less than 3% shrinkage at 12%
moisture content and is classified as one of the
world’s “ironwoods." It is highly
resistant to decay when fully exposed to the weather
and its grain provides high resistance to splintering.
The average life expectancy of Pacific Kwila products
is 25-50 years.
Insect Resistance
Pacific Kwila contains a natural oil that is
its secret and makes it highly resistant to insect
infestation.
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