Collection: Shining Gum

Appearance of Shining Gum Timber

True to its name, Shining Gum timber has a pale straw-colored heartwood with pink and yellow undertones, giving it a bright, polished appearance. The texture is moderately coarse, with a straight grain, and growth rings are prominent. While the sapwood is not always easy to distinguish, the timber often contains pin-hole borer marks and pencil streaks, adding a speckled character that is increasingly appreciated in furniture making.

Common Applications of Shining Gum Timber

Shining Gum is versatile, used in general construction for joinery, framing, flooring, and paneling. Its pale color allows it to be interchanged with Mountain Ash in applications where a light tone is desired. In furniture making, its natural markings and color variations add charm and uniqueness. The wood is also a good pulping species, though slightly lower density than other gums limits its pulp yield.

Durability of Shining Gum Timber

With a Class 4 durability rating, Shining Gum is not recommended for outdoor or in-ground use. Its heartwood is vulnerable to termites, and the sapwood is susceptible to Lyctid borer, making it better suited to interior, decorative, and non-structural uses.

Workability of Shining Gum Timber

Shining Gum is relatively easy to work with hand and machine tools, with a moderate hardness of 5.8 kN when dry. However, drying requires care, as the timber is prone to surface checking and cell collapse. Reconditioning is often necessary, and careful storage is advised to maintain quality. Shining Gum responds well to machining, bonding, and finishing, making it a reliable choice for high-quality interior projects.

Origin and Availability of Shining Gum Timber

Kosny Timber sources Shining Gum from commercial plantations and native forests in New South Wales and Victoria, ensuring a consistent supply for construction and furniture applications. Its popularity as a plantation timber makes Shining Gum readily available for a range of uses in these regions.