The wood name Lauan is a loose term that applies to a number of wood species coming from southeast Asia. Another common name for this wood is Meranti: while the name Lauan is commonly used when referring to plywood made of this type of wood. (It’s also frequently called Philippine Mahogany, though Meranti/Lauan bears no relation to what is considered to be “true” mahogany in the Swietenia and Khaya genera.)
Scientifically, the name Lauan has been used to encompass most commercial lumber found in the Shorea genus, where it is very commonly used in it’s native southeast Asia. There is an abundance of variety between the difference species: each with different working properties, appearances, and mechanical strength values.
The five main groupings for Meranti (Lauan) are: Light Red Meranti, Dark Red Meranti, White Meranti, Yellow Meranti, and Balau.
 Light Red Meranti |
 Dark Red Meranti |
 Yellow Meranti |
 White Meranti |
Balau |
how do you treat shorea wood on an outside bench it is new and looks dark like cherry and is a little oily
it is made by belham for hayseed patio furniture
My company uses Lauan in veneer, and it becomes extremely strong and water resistant with our manufacturing process. Lauan gives our furniture and panels a beautiful natural finish. I recommend Lauan for use with structural adhesive and torsion box honeycomb panels.