Jarrah
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus Marginata
Source location: Western Australia
Stability: Very Stable
Durability in Ground: Durability is Jarrahs’ best feature. It is both termite and rot resistant
Durability above Ground: Very Durable
Density: 820 kg/m3
Dimensions: Sizes up to 300mm wide and 50mm thick are rare. Kiln dried timber in sizes larger than this, apart from 75x75, are generally not available.
Appearance: The sapwood is a yellowish-white colour, while the heartwood light to dark red when first cut, it deepens to red-brown. It can have a straight or interlocked grain with an even medium course texture.
Grades: Only Prime grade is imported into New Zealand which is a good appearance grade, even though it does allow some natural defects such as gum streaks and minor knots.
Uses: One of the worlds most durable timbers and highly resistant to fire, termite and marine borer attack and impervious to acids. Jarrah has a very wide range of uses but principally as a heavy construction timber for bridges and wharves. It is widely used for sleepers and is prized as an interior finishing timber including flooring, furniture, panelling etc.
Tips: It machines, nails and glues well; takes an excellent polish and holds paint very well. It is also prized as a carving timber.