On the advantages of wood - merbau parquet and the characteristics of the breed, commercial demand and illegal logging, areas of use and decorativeness. In addition to the magnificent rosewood, the legume family boasts another type of wood that is very popular in the construction market - merbau. Red-brown shades, combined with surprisingly decorative patterns and high technical characteristics, raise this wood to one of the first places in terms of value and durability. It is harder than oak and stronger than teak, is not afraid of moisture and is resistant to biological aggression, even termites cannot gnaw it.
Merbau (vesi) are tall and rather stocky deciduous trees from the genus Intsia with a trunk circumference reaching one and a half meters in diameter. Having a pronounced rod root system, trees of this species are able to extract water and minerals from significant soil depths. Despite the fact that merbau grows well in natural conditions, they do not lend themselves well to growing on plantations. The impossibility of restoring forest areas after intensive felling leads to a rapid reduction in the area of growth of representatives of this species, which have very valuable wood.
Merbau owes its amazing properties to the special climatic conditions of the tropical rain forests of South Asia. High demand, combined with high prices, will very soon lead to the complete destruction of the last virgin rainforest located in West Papua, Indonesia, where, despite active public activity, illegal logging does not stop.
Meanwhile, on the Fiji Islands, this tree is considered sacred and has long been used to make sacred canoes and gongs, as well as support pillars for the construction of temples. Bowls are also cut from merbau wood, in which the traditional yagona drink is served on especially solemn occasions. The hardness and strength of this valuable wood is so highly valued by the peoples of South Asia that its name has become a household name and in colloquial speech is a synonym for a strong-willed character. Merbau products are so resistant to humid tropical climates that many generations of people survive in these difficult conditions and serve to transmit cultural heritage from generation to generation. No other wood is as ideal for canoe making as merbau. Even in the recent past, clubs were made from it, which were distinguished by unsurpassed strength. Today, reeds and other highly artistic products are carved from merbau instead of clubs.
Due to its strength, durability and decorativeness, the commercial demand for merbau continues to grow. This valuable elite wood is used for the manufacture of furniture and doors, handrails and steps, interiors and facades, and the manufacture of musical instruments.
Merbau parquet is very popular in European countries. Due to its high resistance to moisture, rot and fungi, such a floor covering is suitable for use in rooms with high humidity, for example, bathrooms, rooms with a pool and outdoor terraces. And thanks to the special hardness of the merbau, it is suitable even for the flooring of public buildings, where a very special strength is required.
The reddish-brown shades of parquet and merbau parquet boards darken somewhat over time, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury and surprising comfort in the house. The cost of merbau wood parquet ranges from 1,800 to 4,600 rubles per 1 square meter. Expensive, but beautiful, high quality and forever!
