The Pacific Ironwood walkway stands as a natural emblem, its warm, rich timber like a poetic tapestry woven by nature itself. This pathway feels like nature’s open embrace, gently guiding us away from the hustle of urban life and into a serene natural haven. Every inch of this walkway echoes a call for environmental care and sustainability, allowing each step to resonate with a sense of stewardship for our planet.
Natural Resistance to Decay and Insects
Merbau, known as Pacific Ironwood, boasts natural resistance to both decay and insects, making it an ideal choice for long-term outdoor use without significant wear. Its high stability ensures that it remains dimensionally stable and crack-resistant even in extreme weather conditions, providing lasting safety and reliability for construction projects.
Hardness, Low Shrinkage, and High Density
As one of the hardest tropical hardwoods from Asia, Merbau is primarily found in Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. Its low shrinkage rate, high density, and excellent durability mean that its lifespan is at least twice that of Southern Pine under similar conditions. Its hardness makes it suitable for use in pavilions, walkways, bridges, and general construction materials.
Drawbacks of Merbau
While Merbau is highly durable, it can corrode ordinary iron fixtures, so it is advisable to use stainless steel fasteners. Additionally, due to its natural properties, Merbau can exude reddish juice when wet, potentially staining lighter surfaces such as pebbled or marble countertops. It is best to avoid using it in such contexts.
Color Characteristics
Pacific Ironwood (Merbau) originates from the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. The longitudinal grain can exhibit golden-yellow deposits, with a specific gravity ranging from 0.7 to 0.9. The wood is known for its hardness and lustrous finish after planing. Due to variations in its growing regions and climates, Merbau color can range from deep brown to light yellow-brown, all of which are normal. Color variations can be improved with wood finishes, and over time, the wood will oxidize to a more uniform appearance.