Collection: Jarrah

Appearance of Jarrah Timber

Jarrah timber showcases a wide spectrum of colours. The heartwood varies from deep burgundy and reddish-brown to chocolate hues, while the sapwood is a lighter blend of pale yellow, orange, and pink tones. The grain is moderately coarse and evenly textured, with occasional interlocking or wavy patterns that can create a fiddle-back figure, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Over time, Jarrah’s colours deepen and mature, enhancing its character and visual richness.

Applications of Jarrah Timber

Jarrah’s versatility extends across engineering, construction, and design. Its strength and durability make it suitable for demanding applications such as wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross-arms, poles, and piles. In construction, Jarrah is used for house framing, flooring, linings, decking, cladding, and fencing. Its decorative qualities make it a popular choice for furniture, turnery, parquetry, and musical instruments, with luthiers often using it for guitar and banjo necks. Outdoor furniture crafted from Jarrah is highly sought after for its weather resistance and longevity.

For decking, Jarrah’s natural durability and fire-resistant properties (BAL 12.5, 19, and 29 in compliance with AS3959) make it a standout material, particularly in bushfire-prone areas. Its resilience to the elements ensures it remains a reliable and beautiful choice for outdoor spaces.

Workability of Jarrah Timber

Jarrah is relatively easy to work with when green and can be machined, turned, and planed effectively once seasoned, provided tools are sharp. Its density requires care when nailing, but the timber glues well and can be steam bent satisfactorily. For optimal surface quality when planing, the blade should be set to 15 degrees. Jarrah readily accepts paint, stains, and polish, allowing for various finishes that enhance its natural beauty.

Durability of Jarrah Timber

A Class 1 timber for both in-ground and above-ground use, Jarrah offers exceptional durability and longevity. Its resistance to fire, rot, and termites ensures it performs well in harsh environments, including outdoor and marine settings. The timber's density further contributes to its durability, making it a long-lasting and sustainable choice.

Origin and Availability of Jarrah Timber

Jarrah grows exclusively in Western Australia, on the iron and aluminium-rich plains and ranges from Perth to Albany. It is sourced from old-growth and native regrowth forests, as commercial plantations for Jarrah are limited. This restricted supply, combined with the timber's high demand, makes Jarrah a prized and valuable resource. Recycled Jarrah is available but also limited, relying on materials from demolished buildings.