Collection: Blackwood Timber

Blackwood is a medium-sized hardwood native to Australia, thriving in South Australia and the eastern states, with large commercial volumes cultivated in Tasmania's wetter regions. Known as an "appearance timber," Blackwood is valued for its rich, golden-brown heartwood, often highlighted with reddish streaks or darker growth rings. Its stunning visual appeal and excellent workability make it a favorite for high-quality interior applications.

Appearance of Blackwood Timber

Blackwood’s heartwood exhibits a warm, golden-brown hue, sometimes accompanied by reddish streaks and darker bands along the growth rings. The sapwood, in contrast, is much paler and can be up to 50mm wide. With a medium, even texture, Blackwood’s grain can range from straight to a wavy, fiddleback pattern—highly prized for furniture and veneers due to its unique and attractive finish.

Common Applications of Blackwood Timber

Due to its beauty and durability, Blackwood is often used in decorative applications such as veneers, paneling, joinery, and furniture. Other common uses include flooring, carving, turning, and even boat building and gunstocks. While it is highly durable for interior applications, Blackwood is not recommended for in-ground or exterior use due to its low in-ground durability.

Workability of Blackwood Timber

Blackwood offers excellent workability, allowing for easy nailing and gluing. It sands to a smooth, polished finish, making it an ideal choice for fine furniture and detailed joinery. The wood is also well-suited to steam bending. For pieces with a wavy grain, adjusting the planer angle may be necessary to avoid tear-out. It’s important to take safety precautions when sanding Blackwood, as its dust can cause irritation.

Origin and Availability of Blackwood Timber

Kosny Timber sources Blackwood primarily from Tasmania, where it is available in commercial quantities. Blackwood is also found in other regions, although it is generally available in smaller sizes. Sustainably managed plantations ensure a steady supply of this unique, high-quality timber.

 Very LowLowMediumHighVery High
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Tangential :  4.20%  
Radial : 1.60%   
Unit Movement Tangential: 0.27%   
Unit Movement Radial: 0.16%   

Very High

High

Reasonably High

Medium High

Medium

Reasonably Low

Low

Very Low

Unseasoned:

S1

S2

S3

S4

S5

S6

S7

S8

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Seasoned:

SD1

SD2

SD3

SD4

SD5

SD6

SD7

SD8

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 Structural
No. 1
Structural
No. 2
Structural
No. 3
Structural
No. 4
Structural
No. 5
Unseasoned:F14F11F8F7F5
Seasoned:F22F17F14F11F8
Seasoned:

 

650kg/m3

 

Unseasoned:

 

1050kg/m3

 

Very High

High

Reasonably High

Medium

Low

Very Low

Unseasoned:

J1

J2

J3

J4

J5

J6

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Seasoned:

JD1

JD2

JD3

JD4

JD5

JD6

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 White, yellow, pale straw to light brownPink to pink brownLight to dark redBrown, chocolate, mottled or streaky
  
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Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned:72 MPa
Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned:110 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned:12 GPa
Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned:14 GPa
Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned:34 MPa
Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned:58 MPa
Impact - Unseasoned:12 J
Impact - Seasoned:15 J
Toughness - Unseasoned:Medium - 15 - 24 Nm
Toughness - Seasoned:Medium - 15 - 24 Nm
Hardness - Unseasoned:4.2
Hardness - Seasoned:4.9
 LowModerateReasonably HighHigh
 (0 - 5 yrs)(5 - 15 yrs)(15 - 25 yrs)(more than 25 yrs)
In-Ground: Check mark  
 (0 - 7 yrs)(7 - 15 yrs)(15 - 40 yrs)(More than 40 yrs)
Above ground: Check mark  
 (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5)(21 - 40 yrs)(41 - 64 yrs)(More than 60 yrs)
Marine Borer Resistance:Check mark   
Lyctid Borer Susceptibility:Susceptible
Lyctid Borer Susceptibility - Other: 
Termite Resistance: 
 01234567891011121314151617181920
EFH Ignitibility:                   
 012345678910
EFH Spread-of-Flame Index:         
EFH Smoke-Developed Index:         

Critical Radiance Flux - Lower:

>2.2 and <4.5

Critical Radiance Flux - Higher:

≥4.5

Smoke Development Rate:

<750

1 - non-combustible2 - reasonably non-combustible3 - slightly combustible4 - combustible

Fire Properties Group
Number:

Average Specific Extinction Area:

<250

Bushfire Resistance:

BAL 12.5 and 19 – Door and window joinery only