KERUING (DIPTEROCARPUS SAPP)
Common Name(s): Apitong Apitong, Hagakhak, Panau, Dau, Eng, Yang, Keruwing, Kruen, Kujun, Klalar, Keroewing, Iagan, Dipterocarpu
Scientific Name: Dipterocarpus spp.
Distribution: Southeast Asia
Janka Hardness: 1,390
Color/Appearance: Heartwood ranges from a light to medium yellowish brown to a darker reddish brown. Overall appearance and grain patterning is rather homogenous and bland.
Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight to slightly interlocked. With a medium to coarse texture and moderate natural luster.
Rot Resistance: Varies depending on species, though generally reported as moderately durable; moderate to poor insect resistance.
Workability: Generally easy to work with hand or machine tools, though silica present in the wood tends to dull cutters. Also, resin can exude from the wood and build up on tools and also make wood finishing difficult. Movement in service is fairly large.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but many species of Dipterocarpus are on the IUCN Red List. They are listed as critically endangered due to a population reduction of over 80% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.
Common Uses: Furniture, flooring, trailer decks, and utility lumber.