Overview
“Silvertop ash”, or sometimes named “coast ash” due to its occurrence to grow along the coast of the south-eastern areas of Australia, is a moderately durable and relatively light hardwood compared to other eucalyptus like spotted gum and ironbark. The timber has a medium texture with a straight grain, also showing noticeable growth rings. The timber also often comes with natural features including gum veins and ambrosia, giving the timber a unique look. Silvertop ash is readily available through the eastern states of Australia, with its main source being from native forests, with some trees being grown internationally, in New Zealand plantations.
Pros & Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Less expensive hardwood decking | Termite-prone |
| 1 of 7 hardwoods recommended by the building commission for bushfire prone areas | Relatively prone to surface checking and splitting |
| No tannin leach | Not as durable as other Australian hardwoods |
| Widely available | Light to medium feature present in timber |
| Easy to work, excellent for nailing and screwing | |
| Accepts coatings and preservatives well | |
| Can be supplied in set lengths |
Properties
| Name | Eucalyptus Sieberi |
|---|---|
| Colour (Heartwood) | Cream-yellowish brown |
| Colour (Sapwood) | Undistinguishable |
| Durability | Class 2 |
| Density | 850 kg/m3 |
| Hardness | Janka rating 9.5 |
| Checking rating | |
| Shrinkage rating | |
| Availability | Moderately Available |
| BAL Rating | 12.5 19 29 |
| Termite Resistant | NO |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptible | NO |
| Tannin Leach | Little |
| Origin | TAS, VIC, NSW |
