Description

Meranti is a tropical hardwood (from Southeast Asia), often grouped as dark red meranti or light red meranti. It’s widely used for doors, frames, and windows.

Why it works well for entrance door frames

• Stable & straight-grained – less twisting than many softwoods
• Good strength – strong enough for heavy front doors
• Smooth finish – paints and stains nicely
• Cost-effective hardwood – cheaper than oak, iroko, or sapele

Durability (important for exterior use)

• Meranti is moderately durable, not naturally rot-proof
• For an external entrance frame, it should be:
  • Properly treated (preservative / primer)
  • Fully sealed on all faces, including cut ends
  • Finished with high-quality exterior paint or stain

When well protected, meranti frames can last decades.

Appearance

• Colour: pinkish-red to reddish-brown
• Grain: fairly even, not too wild
• Look: clean and modern (less “rustic” than oak)

Typical sizes & setup

• Common frame thickness: 90–120 mm (UK exterior walls)
• Often supplied:
  • As unfinished hardwood
  • Or factory-primed, ready for top coats