Collection: Tallowwood

Appearance of Tallowwood Timber

The heartwood of tallowwood ranges from pale to dark yellow-brown, often with olive-green tinges, contrasting with its whitish sapwood. Its texture is moderately coarse, with interlocked grain that is unusually free of gum veins for a eucalypt species. While figure is minimal, the timber’s lustrous and greasy appearance gives it a distinctive visual appeal.

Applications of Tallowwood Timber

Tallowwood is valued for both historical and modern uses. Historically, it was used for tool handles, bearings, mallet heads, and wheel spokes. Modern engineering applications include wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross-arms, poles, piles, and mining timbers. In construction, it serves as unseasoned framing, dressed timber cladding, flooring (internal and external), linings, and joinery. The timber is also popular for fencing, landscaping, and retaining walls. Decorative uses include outdoor furniture, turnery, and joinery, while additional applications extend to boat building, coaches, carriages, agricultural machinery, and structural plywood.

Workability of Tallowwood Timber

Despite its hardness (rated 1 on a 6-class scale for indentation), tallowwood is relatively easy to work due to its natural greasiness, which gives the species its name. It machines and turns well, readily accepting paint, stain, and polish. Standard fittings and fastenings work effectively, though pre-drilling is recommended for nailing and screwing. While its extractives can make bonding challenging, polyurethane glues have been successfully used.

Durability of Tallowwood Timber

Tallowwood exhibits exceptional durability, with a life expectancy exceeding 40 years above ground and 25 years in-ground. It is highly resistant to decay and can withstand damp and wet conditions effectively. While the sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack, untreated tallowwood meets the standards for fire-retardant treated timber under AS/NZS 3837.

Origin and Availability of Tallowwood Timber

Tallowwood is a common species in New South Wales and southern Queensland, where it is harvested from native forests. It is readily available in its native regions, offering a reliable supply for diverse applications in construction, engineering, and design.

Source of Tallowwood Timber

Tallowwood’s blend of durability, ease of workability, and unique appearance ensures its place as a premium timber for both functional and decorative purposes.