Appearance of Southern Mahogany Timber
Southern Mahogany features heartwood in shades of deep pink to red-brown, contrasted by its distinctively paler sapwood. The timber is hard, strong, and dense, with a medium, even texture and interlocking grain that adds visual interest to finished products.
Applications of Southern Mahogany Timber
The versatility of Southern Mahogany is evident in its wide range of uses. It is commonly employed in cabinetry, furniture, flooring, decking, and veneers. Historically, it was favored for heavy construction applications, including sleepers and posts. Today, its uses extend to general construction, poles, and even firewood. Its natural durability and attractive grain make it suitable for both structural and decorative purposes.
Workability of Southern Mahogany Timber
Southern Mahogany seasons readily and performs well in machining, turning, and gluing. However, its density and interlocking grain can dull tools more quickly than other eucalypts, requiring frequent sharpening. When young, the timber exhibits significant growth stresses, making quarter sawing essential to minimize damage. Drying can be challenging, and air-drying in protected stacks is recommended to reduce susceptibility to end splitting and collapse.
Durability and Maintenance of Southern Mahogany Timber
This hardwood is durable, with natural resistance to lyctid borer attacks in its sapwood. Its strength and density enhance its lifespan in various applications, although proper drying and handling are essential to preserve its integrity.
Origin and Availability of Southern Mahogany Timber
Southern Mahogany is native to the south coast of New South Wales and is relatively common in this region. Its widespread availability ensures a steady supply for both domestic and commercial applications.
Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
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Tangential : | 9.80% | ||||
Radial : | 5.10% | ||||
Unit Movement Tangential: | 0.37% | ||||
Unit Movement Radial: | 0.28% |
Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium High | Medium | Reasonably Low | Low | Very Low | |
Unseasoned: | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 |
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Seasoned: | SD1 | SD2 | SD3 | SD4 | SD5 | SD6 | SD7 | SD8 |
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Structural No. 1 | Structural No. 2 | Structural No. 3 | Structural No. 4 | Structural No. 5 | |
Unseasoned: | F27 | F17 | F14 | F11 | F8 |
Seasoned: | F27 | F22 | F17 | F14 | F11 |
Seasoned: | 920kg/m3 |
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Unseasoned: | 1200kg/m3 |
Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium | Low | Very Low | |
Unseasoned: | J1 | J2 | J3 | J4 | J5 | J6 |
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Seasoned: | JD1 | JD2 | JD3 | JD4 | JD5 | JD6 |
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White, yellow, pale straw to light brown | Pink to pink brown | Light to dark red | Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky | |
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Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned: | 84 MPa |
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Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: | 130 MPa |
Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned: | 15 GPa |
Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: | 18 GPa |
Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned: | 46 MPa |
Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: | 77 MPa |
Impact - Unseasoned: | 18 J |
Impact - Seasoned: | 18 J |
Toughness - Unseasoned: | Medium - 15 - 24 Nm |
Toughness - Seasoned: | Medium - 15 - 24 Nm |
Hardness - Unseasoned: | 7.0 |
Hardness - Seasoned: | 9.0 |
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 |
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Lyctid Borer Susceptibility - Other: | |
Termite Resistance: | 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 |
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Average Specific Extinction Area: | <250 |
Bushfire Resistance: | BAL 12.5 and 19 – All AS3959 required applications |