Collection: Southern Mahogany

Southern Mahogany (Eucalyptus botryoides) is a large, fast-growing hardwood species indigenous to coastal southeastern Australia, ranging from Bairnsdale in Victoria to north of Newcastle in New South Wales. Closely related to Sydney Blue Gum, it is known for its striking red heartwood, rapid growth, and frost tolerance, making it a valuable timber for both construction and decorative applications.

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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 LowLowMediumHighVery 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:F27F17F14F11F8
Seasoned:F27F22F17F14F11

Seasoned:

920kg/m3

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 brownPink to pink brownLight to dark redBrown, chocolate, mottled or streaky
  
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Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned:84 MPa
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
 LowModerateReasonably HighHigh
 (0 - 5 yrs)(5 - 15 yrs)(15 - 25 yrs)(more than 25 yrs)
In-Ground: Check mark  
 (0 - 7 yrs)(7 - 15 yrs)(15 - 40 yrs)(More than 40 yrs)
Above ground:  Check mark 
 (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:Resistant
1 - non-combustible2 - reasonably non-combustible3 - slightly combustible4 - combustible

Fire Properties Group
Number:

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