# Red, Yellow and White Meranti: what is the difference?

> Meranti is a trade group, not a single tree. Knowing the types helps you order the right timber for the job.

Published 21 September 2026 by Borneo Woods Indonesia. Canonical: https://borneowoodsindonesia.com/blog/red-yellow-white-meranti-difference/

Meranti is the trade name for a large group of Shorea species found across Borneo and Southeast Asia. Buyers often order "Meranti" without specifying the type, but the colour, weight and best use vary between them.

## Red Meranti

Light Red and Dark Red Meranti are the most traded types. Colour ranges from pale pink to deep reddish brown. Dark Red Meranti is denser and more durable, and is a popular choice for window frames, doors and exterior joinery that will be painted or coated.

## Yellow Meranti

Yellow Meranti has a light yellowish brown tone that darkens slightly with exposure. It works easily and is used for interior joinery, mouldings and furniture components.

## White Meranti

White Meranti is pale and fine textured. It contains silica, which can wear cutting tools faster, but it gives a clean, even surface for interior applications.

## Ordering tip

State the type, the grade and whether you need kiln dried timber. If colour consistency matters for your project, ask us to sort by colour. We can send labelled samples like the ones above before you confirm.