Overview
The common name “Blackbutt” comes from the regular appearance of a blackened base on the trunk of the tree, caused from fires. Blackbutt primarily grows in the coastal regions of southern NSW all the way up to south east QLD. It has a quick growth rate and is easily regenerated, making it a popular species to grow in plantations and a readily available timber on the east coast of Australia. The heartwood colour ranges from a yellowish brown to light brown, with a fairly straight grain and even texture with gum veins sometimes present. Blackbutt has a very good fire rating and is one of the 7 timber species found suitable for bushfire prone areas by the Building commission of Victoria. A hard, strong and durable timber, Blackbutt is increasingly popular choice for flooring and decking in Australia, with Parliament House in Canberra showcasing the spectacular beauty of Blackbutt by using it for its flooring.
Pros & Cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Readily Available in Decking | Tendency to surface check and splitting |
| Highly durable and hard | High tannin content – may leech when wet |
| 1 of 7 hardwoods recommended by the building commission for bushfire prone areas | Mostly supplied in random lengths |
Properties
| Name | Eucalyptus Pilularis |
|---|---|
| Colour (Heartwood) | Golden yellow to light brown |
| Colour (Sapwood) | Similar colour but much paler |
| Durability | Class 1 |
| Density | 880 kg/m3 |
| Hardness | Janka rating 9.1 |
| Checking rating | |
| Shrinkage rating | |
| Availability | Readily Available |
| BAL Rating | 12.5 19 29 |
| Termite Resistant | YES |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptible | NO |
| Tannin Leach | Moderate |
| Origin | NSW, QLD |
