What is Merbau Wood Flooring? (5 Reasons to Choose This Exotic Wood)

I once joked with a client that picking flooring is like choosing a partner: if it can’t handle a little pressure, it’s not going to last. Well, that’s how I found myself falling for Merbau wood flooring—a kind of “keeper” in the flooring world. If you’ve never heard of Merbau or are on the fence about it, I’m here to share everything I’ve learned firsthand.

What Is Merbau Wood Flooring?

Merbau wood flooring comes from the Intsia genus of trees, primarily found in Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific Islands. It’s an exotic hardwood prized for its strength, rich color, and natural oils. The wood itself is dense, heavy, and remarkably durable.

When I first encountered Merbau flooring, I was working on a renovation project near the coast where climate conditions were tough on traditional floorings. The client wanted something that could handle humidity, occasional water exposure, and heavy foot traffic — Merbau fit the bill perfectly.

The Tree Behind the Floor

Merbau trees grow slowly in tropical environments. This slow growth leads to very tight grain patterns and a dense wood structure. The heartwood—the darker inner part—is what’s used for flooring because it contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. The sapwood is lighter but less durable.

One technical metric I like to use to explain wood hardness is the Janka hardness test—it measures how well wood withstands denting and wear. Merbau scores around 1925 on this test, which is significantly harder than common domestic hardwoods like red oak (1290) or maple (1450). What this means in everyday terms is that your floor is far less likely to scratch or dent under normal use.

Visual Beauty That Develops Over Time

Merbau’s coloring ranges from golden browns to deep reds with streaks of darker grain running through. What makes it unique is how its color deepens over time, developing a warm patina many homeowners find irresistible.

I remember one customer telling me after a year of living with Merbau floors: “It feels like my floor has aged like fine wine—getting better every day.” And honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Why Choose Merbau? Five Reasons That Made Me a Fan

I’ve installed many types of flooring over the years—from oak and maple to bamboo and engineered woods—but Merbau stands out for several key reasons.

1. Durability That Lasts Decades

I can’t stress enough how tough Merbau is. In one commercial project I worked on—a busy café with constant foot traffic—the floor maintained its integrity even after years of wear and tear. Customers walked in with muddy shoes, spilled drinks were cleaned up quickly, yet the floor looked almost new after a thorough cleaning.

Durability isn’t just about hardness on paper; it translates into fewer repairs and less frequent refinishing. For busy families or commercial spaces that see heavy use daily, this can save thousands over time.

According to industry data:

• Merbau has a Janka hardness rating of 1925.
• It can withstand moisture better than many hardwoods.
• Its dense grain resists abrasion more effectively than softer options.

This combination means less surface damage and longer-lasting beauty.

2. Natural Resistance to Moisture and Insects

Ever had hardwood floors warp or swell after a spill or during a humid summer? I have—and it’s frustrating. With Merbau, that’s less of a concern. Its natural oils act as a built-in defense mechanism against moisture penetration and insect attacks like termites.

During one tropical home installation, where humidity regularly hit 85%, the homeowner was amazed at how stable their floors remained throughout seasonal changes. Unlike oak or maple, which often expand or contract dramatically under these conditions, Merbau stayed solid.

This moisture resistance also means fewer worries about water damage from everyday spills or accidental leaks—a huge plus for kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Stunning Aesthetic Appeal

Merbau isn’t just tough—it’s beautiful too. The rich hues and unique grain patterns lend character to any room. Whether your style is modern minimalist or classic elegance, Merbau adapts well.

One client who initially worried about the deep color ended up loving how the floor added warmth and depth to their space. They told me it made their large living room feel cozy and inviting without feeling dark or heavy.

The wood’s natural luster means you don’t need heavy varnishes or layers of finish to get that glossy look—it shines naturally thanks to its oils.

4. Low Maintenance Requirements

I have to admit: low maintenance floors make my job easier and keep clients happier long-term. With Merbau, routine cleaning is straightforward—just sweeping or damp mopping with mild cleaners works great.

The natural oils also help hide minor scratches or scuffs better than some other hardwoods. On one project with three kids and two dogs running around nonstop, the floor held up beautifully with just basic care.

If you’re someone who dreads intensive maintenance routines, Merbau might be your best friend.

5. Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability Options

Sustainability matters more now than ever. Fortunately, many suppliers offer FSC-certified Merbau flooring harvested from responsibly managed forests. This certification ensures the trees are logged sustainably without contributing to deforestation or habitat destruction.

If you care about environmental impact but want exotic wood’s beauty and durability, certified Merbau offers a good balance.

On several projects where clients prioritized green building practices, we made sure to select FSC-certified materials—including Merbau—to align with their values.

Comparing Merbau To Other Popular Hardwood Choices

You might be wondering how Merbau stacks up against other favorites like oak, maple, teak, or bamboo. Here’s what I’ve learned from hands-on experience:

Merbau’s standout features are its hardness and moisture resistance combined with its warm coloration and natural oils—qualities that make it suitable for homes with pets, kids, or high foot traffic environments.

My Installation Tips for Merbau Wood Flooring

Installing Merbau isn’t rocket science but requires some attention to detail to get the best results:

• Acclimate Your Wood: Let the planks sit in your home’s environment for at least 7–10 days before installation so they adjust to local humidity levels. This helps prevent expansion or contraction issues later.
• Choose Adhesives Wisely: Because Merbau is oily, not all glues bond well. Use adhesives designed for oily hardwoods if you’re glue-down installing.
• Consider Finish Types: Many prefer applying natural oil finishes over polyurethane to keep that warm glow visible. However, urethane finishes provide extra scratch protection.
• Leave Expansion Gaps: Like all hardwoods, allow gaps around edges for seasonal movement—typically around 10–15 mm.
• Routine Cleaning: Use gentle cleaners; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can dull the finish.

These tips come from years on job sites where small oversights have caused big headaches.

Case Study: Coastal Home Flooring Success with Merbau

One memorable project was a beachfront villa where previous flooring failed within two years due to salt spray and humidity damage. The homeowners chose Merbau after hearing about its moisture resistance.

• Installation covered about 1200 sq ft.
• Took five days from start to finish.
• After one year living with it, they reported zero warping or discoloration.
• Sand tracked in daily was easy to clean without scratching.
• The warm reddish tones complemented their beach décor perfectly.

This success story highlights why Merbau is often my go-to recommendation for coastal or humid areas.

What About Cost? Is Merbau Worth It?

Cost is always a big question when investing in hardwood floors.

Merbau typically runs between $8 and $15 per square foot installed—higher than domestic options like oak but usually less than premium teak or exotic species like ebony.

However, its durability means fewer repairs and refinishing over time—often saving money in the long run.

For example:

• Average refinishing costs: $2–$4 per sq ft every 7–10 years.
• Merbau’s hardness reduces frequency of refinishing compared to softer woods.
• Less susceptibility to moisture damage lowers risk of costly replacements.

In my experience working with clients on budgets ranging from modest homes to luxury condos, many find the initial investment pays off through longevity and low maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Merbau Flooring

Is Merbau Safe for Indoor Use?

Yes! Despite being an exotic hardwood, properly milled and finished Merbau is safe indoors. If you’re sensitive to smells or chemicals, natural oil finishes minimize VOC emissions compared to synthetic finishes.

Can Merbau Be Used in Bathrooms or Kitchens?

It can be used in kitchens where spills happen frequently since it resists moisture well. I’d be cautious using it in bathrooms unless well sealed because prolonged standing water isn’t ideal for most wood floors.

How Does Merbau Change Color Over Time?

It darkens slightly with age due to oxidation and exposure to light. The color shifts from golden brown toward richer reddish-brown tones—a natural process that enhances character without needing stain.

Does It Require Special Maintenance Products?

No special products are required beyond pH-neutral wood cleaners. Avoid wax-based or abrasive cleaners which can dull the finish.

Wrapping Up My Take on Merbau Wood Flooring

Over the years I’ve installed hardwood floors in all sorts of environments—from dry city condos
to humid coastal homes—and few woods combine durability, beauty, and ease of care like
Merbau does.

If you want a floor that handles everyday life without losing its charm—and can even improve
with age—Merbau deserves serious thought.

I hope my stories and insights help you decide whether this exotic wood fits your needs. And
if you ever need advice on installation or maintenance tips for your project, just ask!

Learn more