Thread: wood identification. Need help

It looks like Meranti to me.

Yep, looks like meranti.

thanks for your suggestion, it's interesting. I was also told it might be sapele or iroko, what do you think? I tried to compare with pictures from the web but all thoses species look very similar to me.
I need to know in order to put the right finish on it (exterior use).
Thank you for your help.

Is it likely that Meranti is readily available in France?

Agree with others... it looks like meranti (a Shorea sp) and comes in a wide range of colour tones

I can't really tell, but from what I have read, it doesn't seem like meranti is any harder to find here in France than other species like sapelli or sipo or mahogany; in fact it is a banister (outdoor) in my father's house that was made maybe 15 years ago. I would like to know what it is in order to put the right finish

well meranti seems to be the answer here
here are two more photos that may confirm it
Assuming it is meranti does someone know what kind of finish will be best for exterior use after I will have sanded it?
https://ibb.co/nNeo9d
https://ibb.co/cezYaJ

I don't believe Meranti is suitable for outdoor exposure. In Australia its used for door frames & similar interior work.
It paints and finishes well I believe.

The paler the Meranti wood, like that shown, the less durable it is to weather / exposure. The darker red species are moderately durable.

Originally Posted by Euge

The paler the Meranti wood, like that shown, the less durable it is to weather / exposure. The darker red species are moderately durable.

Thanks.
It wasn't me who chose this wood.
Would you give me an advise on what finish I could put on it in order to preserve it as much as possible?

Originally Posted by Med

Thanks.
It wasn't me who chose this wood.
Would you give me an advise on what finish I could put on it in order to preserve it as much as possible?

I'm no expert in wood finishes. If you use a (pigmented) paint them seal it well according to directions.

BUT I suspect you mean what CLEAR finish to use. None will last for years without re-coating. I would get a good quality marine finish that is recommended for exterior marine timbers, and apply sufficient coats sanding lightly between coats as this wood is a bit fuzzy / furry from memory. Remember if this wood gets wet frequently it will rot. Not many finishes keep sun & water away from wood for long. I don't think oil finishes will work for long. Others may have better ideas.

Well thank you very much for the suggestions, it helps me a lot.