Appearance of Sassafras Timber
Sassafras timber is characterized by its straight grain and uniformly even texture. Its coloring ranges from yellowish grey or light brown to rich dark brown, with subtle variations adding to its visual appeal. This makes sassafras an excellent choice for customized and aesthetic projects.
Applications of Sassafras Timber
The versatility of sassafras sees it utilized across a range of applications. It is frequently employed in the production of plywood, small tool handles, cabinet drawer sides, brushware, and turned items. Its aesthetic qualities also make it a favored material for customized craft pieces.
Workability of Sassafras Timber
Firm yet easy to work with, sassafras is a reliable timber for both hand and machine tools. It bonds effectively with glues, and its uniform surface accepts paints readily, making it suitable for finished and polished products.
Durability of Sassafras Timber
While primarily valued for its workability and appearance, sassafras is not highly durable and is typically used in applications where durability is not a critical requirement.
Origin and Availability of Sassafras Timber
Sassafras is native to New South Wales and is readily available as a seasoned timber, particularly for craft and specialized purposes. Buyers should note that this species is distinct from other sassafras varieties, such as Tasmanian or southern sassafras.
Sassafras's appealing grain, even texture, and workability ensure its continued popularity for both functional and decorative applications.
| Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | | | |||
| Tangential : | 5.80% | ||||
| Radial : | 2.20% | ||||
| Unit Movement Tangential: | 0.34% | ||||
| Unit Movement Radial: | 0.18% |
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium High | Medium | Reasonably Low | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 |
| ||||||||
| Seasoned: | SD1 | SD2 | SD3 | SD4 | SD5 | SD6 | SD7 | SD8 |
|
| Structural No. 1 | Structural No. 2 | Structural No. 3 | Structural No. 4 | Structural No. 5 | |
| Unseasoned: | F11 | F8 | F7 | F5 | F4 |
| Seasoned: | F17 | F14 | F11 | F8 | F7 |
| Seasoned: | 590kg/m3 |
|---|---|
| Unseasoned: | 910kg/m3 |
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | J1 | J2 | J3 | J4 | J5 | J6 |
| ||||||
| Seasoned: | JD1 | JD2 | JD3 | JD4 | JD5 | JD6 |
|
| White, yellow, pale straw to light brown | Pink to pink brown | Light to dark red | Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky | |
| ||||
| Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned: | 55 MPa |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: | 85 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned: | 10 GPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: | 12 GPa |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned: | 30 MPa |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: | 50 MPa |
| Impact - Unseasoned: | 10 J |
| Impact - Seasoned: | 9 J |
| Toughness - Unseasoned: | Low - up to 15 Nm |
| Toughness - Seasoned: | Low - up to 15 Nm |
| Hardness - Unseasoned: | 2.1 |
| Hardness - Seasoned: | 3.4 |
| Low | Moderate | Reasonably High | High | |
| (0 - 5 yrs) | (5 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 25 yrs) | (more than 25 yrs) | |
| In-Ground: | | |||
| (0 - 7 yrs) | (7 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 40 yrs) | (More than 40 yrs) | |
| Above ground: | | |||
| (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5) | (21 - 40 yrs) | (41 - 64 yrs) | (More than 60 yrs) | |
| Marine Borer Resistance: | |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptibility: | Not Susceptible |
|---|---|
| Lyctid Borer Susceptibility - Other: | |
| Termite Resistance: | Not Resistant |
| 1 - non-combustible | 2 - reasonably non-combustible | 3 - slightly combustible | 4 - combustible | |
Fire Properties Group |
Group Number - Other: | 3 if used on MDF or particleboard ≥12mm; veneer thickness 0.6-0.85mm |
|---|---|
Average Specific Extinction Area: | <250 |
Bushfire Resistance: | BAL 12.5 and 19 – All AS3959 required applications |