Appearance of Spotted Gum Timber
Spotted Gum heartwood varies from light brown to deep red-brown, with sapwood typically appearing white to light brown. With a moderately coarse texture and occasional wavy grain, Spotted Gum timber can exhibit a beautiful fiddleback figure. The timber’s slightly greasy feel aids in machining and handling, while its low tannin content minimizes staining, making it an ideal choice for applications where bleed-through staining is a concern.
Common Applications of Spotted Gum Timber
Spotted Gum’s strength and durability make it suitable for demanding engineering applications such as wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross-arms, and mining timbers. In building and construction, it is frequently used for posts, poles, framing, flooring, lining, decking, and cladding. The timber’s resilience and aesthetic appeal also lend themselves to boatbuilding, tool handles, and furniture—both indoor and outdoor. Spotted Gum is also prized in the manufacture of veneer, plywood, and award-winning outdoor furniture.
Workability of Spotted Gum Timber
Spotted Gum’s natural greasiness makes it easy to machine, and it is compatible with standard fittings and fastenings. Like most high-density hardwoods, surface preparation should be done immediately before gluing for best results. The timber readily accepts paint, stains, and polish, offering flexibility in finishes. Its low tannin content means it is less likely to cause staining on nearby surfaces, making it a low-maintenance option for exterior applications.
Fire Resistance of Spotted Gum Timber
Spotted Gum components 18mm or thicker do not require additional fire-retardant treatment for construction in bushfire-prone areas, enhancing its suitability for exterior and structural applications.
Origin and Availability of Spotted Gum Timber
Kosny Timber sources Spotted Gum from sustainable native forests in New South Wales and Queensland, where it is widely available and highly regarded. Currently the highest volume native hardwood harvested in Queensland, Spotted Gum is also exported to the U.S. and other international destinations, making it a reliable choice for diverse construction and decorative projects.
Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ||||
Tangential :![]() | 6.10% | ||||
Radial :![]() | 4.30% | ||||
Unit Movement Tangential:![]() | 0.38% | ||||
Unit Movement Radial:![]() | 0.32% |