Our timber and its uses - Tasmanian Blackwood

Tasmanian Blackwood is an emergent rainforest species.  It grows easily, into small 'sucker' sized shrubs in dense thickets, from whence "only the strong survive".

It is a beautiful cut timber, showing real character and warmth - with each piece having it's own distinct 'personality'.

So - without further ado -

Tasmanian Black Wood (Black Wattle, Hickory)
Acacia melanoxylon

Hardwood

What does it look like?

Blackwood timber is sought after for its impressive appearance and finish qualities. The heartwood is a rich, golden brown, sometimes complimented by reddish streaks or a narrow band of darker colour, indicative of the growth rings.

The sapwood can be up to 50mm wide and is much paler in appearance. Even-textured, the Blackwood grain can either be straight or have a wavy, fiddleback pattern, which is great for furniture and veneers.

Tasmanian Blackwood

This fiddleback is only present in select trees.  It  gives the wood a quilting effect reminiscent of gathered silk.  

Tasmanian Blackwood "Fiddleback"

What is it used for?

Blackwood is usually used for decorative pieces -  veneers, paneling, furniture, cabinetry and flooring.

It is beautiful used indoors, but is not really suitable for structural or outdoor uses.  

It has in the past been used for carving, turnery, flooring, boat building and gunstocks.

The most recently discovered use for Blackwood is  musical instrument making (in particular guitars, drums, Hawaiian ukuleles, violin bows and organ pipes).  In recent years has become known as a substitute for koa wood.

Where would I have seen it before?

In furniture, outdoor furniture, veneer, or musical instruments.

What is it like to work with?

Blackwood has a good overall workability. It is easy to nail and glues well. A smooth, polished finish can be achieved, making Blackwood ideal for furniture. It is also good for steam bending.
It makes beautiful bed headboards, and floor coverings (veneer) or as wood paneling in a ‘club style’ den or library.

If the grain is wavy then this may require the planer angle to be adjusted.

Where is it native to?

 

In Australia - NSW, VIC, SA, TAS, QLD,

New Zealand

Continental Africa

Hickory Suckers

Our timber and its uses - Red Cedar

It can be a real challenge getting easy to understand information about Australian rainforest timbers.  We  are going to try and fill that gap, by creating simple to understand blog posts on each of our timber species.

First up is (of course) Red Cedar!

Common name:    Red Cedar
Botanical name: Toona australis

Type of Timber: Hardwood

What does it look like?
Red cedar is a beautiful warm timber with heartwood that ranges from a pale pinkish red through to a rich dark reddish brown.

There is no way to tell how the timber will "cut up" before you fall the tree.  Part of the charm of Red Cedar is its  variable colour.

The sapwood is paler pink or yellow in colour and is distinctive from the heartwood. 

The grain that is usually straight but may be slightly interlocked - this fiddle back appearance is great for use as veneers and it looks really good in panels in cabinetry, and show off a beautiful 'shimmery' quality.


Australian Red Cedar



What is it used for?
 

Red cedar is used mainly for beautification such as decorative veneers, paneling and furniture.

Where would I have seen it before?
 



In use as a veneer, or in antique furniture.



Antique Sofa - Image Powerhouse Museum



What is it like to work with?
 

Red cedar is soft and has a good workability. It nails and glues well. Red cedar can also be painted, stained and polished and it finishes well.



Sculptural piece



Where does it come from?
 

Red Cedar is native to NSW, QLD, Asia, SE Asia, South America.

Red cedar is scarce in most Australian forests, but has been sustainably harvested in the Cedar Getters forest since the 1800’s.  It is where we get our name from!





Red Cedar tree (and new Growth)