Keruing

Keruing is a common name for hardwood timber derived from several species in the Dipterocarpaceae family, harvested in tropical Southeast Asia. In trade, keruing refers to the wood product rather than a single species, and its exact origin may vary by batch and region.

The wood is typically heavy and hard, with a coarse to medium texture. Sapwood is pale, while heartwood ranges from pale brown to reddish brown and may darken with age. Keruing can be straight-grained or have interlocked grain, and it generally machines and finishes well, though workability can vary between sources. Correct drying is important to minimize warping or checking.

Keruing is produced in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand, and nearby areas where tropical dipterocarp forests supply timber. It is valued for its strength and versatility in a range of applications, from structural timbers and flooring to furniture, cabinetry, and veneer production.

Durability and treatment: The heartwood offers moderate natural durability, but keruing is not typically suitable for ground contact without preservative treatment. It responds to standard finishing and can be cut, shaped, and joinery-worked with appropriate tools and techniques.

Economy and sustainability: Keruing is an important timber in the regional market, often crossing international borders through timber trade networks. Due to the ecological sensitivity of tropical dipterocarp forests, sustainable management practices and certification programs are increasingly emphasized to balance economic use with conservation.