Common Name(s): Keruing, Apitong
Scientific Name: Dipterocarpus spp.
Distribution: Southeast Asia
Tree Size: 100-200 ft (30-60 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 46 lbs/ft3 (745 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .59, .74
Janka Hardness: 1,390 lbf (6,170 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 16,710 lbf/in2 (115.2 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,293,000 lbf/in2 (15.81 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 8,900 lbf/in2 (61.4 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 10.8%, Volumetric: 16.3%, T/R Ratio: 2.0
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.
Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; exclusively solitary; very large pores in no specific arrangement, very few; parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, vasicentric; medium to wide rays, spacing normal.
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.
Odor: Has a distinct resinous scent when being worked.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Keruing has been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Pricing/Availability: Not commonly imported to North America, Keruing is sometimes available as lumber or flooring planks. Prices should be moderate for an imported lumber.