Collection: Taun Timber

Appearance of Taun Timber

The heartwood of taun varies from pink to reddish-brown and darkens with age, while the sapwood is pale pinkish buff and not always distinct from the heartwood. The grain is straight with occasional interlocking and features a moderately coarse texture, contributing to its visual and tactile appeal.

Applications of Taun Timber

Taun is widely used in both construction and decorative applications. In construction, it serves for house framing, cladding, fascia boards, internal flooring, and plywood. Its aesthetic properties make it suitable for lining, paneling, joinery, cabinetry, veneers, and outdoor furniture. Taun is also valued in boat building and cooperage, as well as for carving and turnery.

Workability of Taun Timber

Taun is moderately hard (rated 3 on a 6-class scale), making it reasonably easy to work with hand tools. The timber saws and turns easily, with only moderate blunting of cutting edges. It is readily bored, holds nails and screws effectively, and bonds satisfactorily with standard adhesives. Taun also accepts paint and stains well, polishing to a smooth and high-quality finish. However, its sanding dust can irritate mucous membranes, so precautions should be taken during processing.

Durability of Taun Timber

Taun offers moderate durability, with an above-ground life expectancy of 15 to 40 years. However, its in-ground durability is limited to 5 to 15 years. The sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack and difficult to impregnate with preservatives. Additionally, taun is not termite-resistant, requiring careful consideration for external or exposed applications.

Origin and Availability of Taun Timber

Taun is native to Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Samoa, and small quantities are imported into Australia. While its availability is limited, it remains a sought-after timber for specific applications.

Conclusion

With its attractive appearance, reasonable workability, and versatility, taun is a reliable choice for both structural and decorative projects. Its moderate durability and ease of use make it a popular timber for diverse applications.