Sapele
A workhorse mahogany alternative: dense, stable, with a deep reddish-brown tone. Used widely in GCC luxury door manufacture, panelling and yacht joinery. Kiln-dried to 8-12% moisture content for stable installation.
Iroko
Often called "African teak", golden-brown, highly durable, excellent outdoor performance. Specified for exterior decking, garden joinery and high-humidity applications across UAE villas and hotel exteriors.
Meranti and Red Meranti
Lighter, easier to work, an economical option for moulding, door cores and interior joinery. Red Meranti has a richer tone closer to mahogany.
Frequently asked questions
Which hardwood is best for UAE outdoor decking?
Iroko is the most commonly specified, valued for its high natural durability and stability in coastal humidity.
What moisture content should kiln-dried hardwood arrive at?
8-12% for GCC interior joinery; 12-15% acceptable for protected exterior use.