Collection: River Red Gum Timber

Appearance of River Red Gum Timber

The heartwood of River Red Gum ranges from light pink to deep red, sometimes even approaching a near-black hue, depending on age and exposure. The timber has a moderately coarse texture, with an interlocked grain and prominent gum veins that give it unique character. Cross-grain is common, adding visual interest but can pose challenges in hand-working. Its signature fiddle-back figure and deep red tones are especially prized in furniture and craft applications.

Common Applications of River Red Gum Timber

Traditionally, River Red Gum is valued for its durability and rot resistance, making it ideal for stumps, fence posts, sleepers, and structural applications. Its color and figure have made it increasingly popular in furniture, joinery, flooring, and decorative pieces. Additionally, it is used in garden landscaping, exposed hardwood structures, and non-domestic decks. Due to its aesthetic appeal and durability, River Red Gum is well-suited for both functional and decorative outdoor uses.

Workability of River Red Gum Timber

River Red Gum is dense and hard (around 900 kg/m³), which can make it challenging to machine and sand. Due to its interlocked grain, it can be difficult to work and is prone to movement with humidity changes, requiring careful selection. Nailing and screwing can be tough, but it accepts polyurethane glues well. River Red Gum takes a fine polish and responds beautifully to oil finishes, which highlight its deep red color. It’s a favorite for woodturning, especially when well-seasoned.

Durability of River Red Gum Timber

Rated as Class 2 for durability, River Red Gum heartwood has an aboveground life expectancy of over 40 years and an in-ground life expectancy exceeding 25 years. Its durability makes it ideal for exterior and structural applications. However, the sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack and may require treatment for exterior use.

Origin and Availability of River Red Gum Timber

Kosny Timber sources River Red Gum from native forests across New South Wales, where it grows prolifically along riverbanks. The timber is also widely planted worldwide in regions like Argentina, Egypt, and the U.S., making it readily available for diverse applications.