Collection: Blackbutt Timber

Appearance of Blackbutt Timber

Blackbutt's heartwood displays a palette ranging from golden yellow to pale brown, sometimes with a hint of pink. The sapwood is distinctly paler, offering a soft contrast, and is naturally resistant to lyctid borer. Known for its even texture and generally straight grain, blackbutt exudes an appealing and elegant look, making it popular in interior applications like flooring and joinery. Small gum veins may also appear, adding character without compromising strength.

Common Uses of Blackbutt Timber

Blackbutt is prized for its versatility, suiting a range of structural, exterior, and interior projects. It is a top choice in New South Wales and southern Queensland for timber framing, but also serves well for cladding, internal and external flooring, decking, joinery, landscaping, and even furniture. Additionally, blackbutt's durability and strength make it a reliable resource in plywood manufacturing.

Workability of Blackbutt Timber

When working with blackbutt, it’s important to note its tendency toward surface checking on the tangential surface, which can occur during the drying process. It’s best not to re-condition blackbutt, as this could worsen surface checks. This timber can be stained, polished, or painted, although the high natural extractives in mature blackbutt may pose minor challenges with certain adhesives and may cause staining on painted surfaces over time. Blackbutt machines efficiently but is only moderately suitable for steam bending.

Durability and Fire Resistance of Blackbutt Timber

Blackbutt is not only a robust timber but also boasts excellent fire resistance, making it one of seven hardwoods approved by the Building Commission in Victoria for use in bushfire-prone areas (provided the thickness is over 18mm). This durability makes blackbutt a solid choice for both residential and commercial construction, especially in regions at risk of bushfires.

Origin and Availability of Blackbutt Timber

Kosny Timber sources high-quality blackbutt from the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland, spanning from Bega in New South Wales up to Maryborough in Queensland. Widely available in these areas, blackbutt is accessible for a range of projects across Australia.