Collection: Queensland Maple

Appearance of Queensland Maple Timber

Queensland Maple is notable for its attractive heartwood, which ranges from pink to brownish pink, providing a warm and luxurious aesthetic. The narrow sapwood band contrasts in pale grey or white. The timber’s medium and uniform texture is complemented by variable grain patterns, which can be straight, interlocked, wavy, or curly. On quarter-sawn boards, distinctive water wave, rib, or birdseye figures can be observed, enhancing its appeal for decorative and high-end applications.

Applications of Queensland Maple Timber

This versatile timber has a rich history in Australian craftsmanship. In the early 20th century, it was commonly used for building framing, flooring, lining, mouldings, and joinery. Its lightweight yet strong properties made it an ideal material for light boat construction, including planking, decking, and marine plywood. Queensland Maple also holds a place in transportation history, having been shaped into aeroplane propellers, coach and vehicle frames, and gunstocks.

Today, Queensland Maple is predominantly sought after for distinctive furniture pieces, musical instrument components (e.g., guitar necks and piano parts), and bespoke interior fittings. Other applications include picture frames, inlay work, carving, and shop or office fixtures, where its lustrous finish and unique grain patterns are most appreciated.

Workability of Queensland Maple Timber

Queensland Maple is pleasant to work with and machines and turns easily to a smooth surface. Its excellent finishing properties allow it to take stain, polish, and paint readily, creating a flawless appearance. It nails and glues well, making it suitable for a wide range of joinery and decorative applications. However, it is prone to buckling, making it unsuitable for bending. Standard fittings and fastenings work without difficulty, and bonding with adhesives is reliable using conventional methods.

Durability and Maintenance of Queensland Maple Timber

Queensland Maple is classified as moderately durable, with good resistance to lyctid borers but susceptibility to termites. Occasional insect activity in living trees can cause darkened soft tissue areas, though this is rare in timber selected for high-value uses. Proper finishing and treatment can extend its lifespan, especially in indoor applications.

Origin and Availability of Queensland Maple Timber

Native to the heritage-protected rainforests of northern Queensland, Queensland Maple is now available only in limited quantities, often from specialty stockists in metropolitan areas. Its scarcity enhances its desirability for premium projects, emphasizing its historical and aesthetic significance.