Australian Blackbutt fresh from the East Coast

Blackbutt (often referred to as Coastal Blackbutt to distinguish it from the tableland species) is one of the most common species of hardwood commercially available from the coastal forests of New South Wales.

It grows in the coastal forests of NSW from Bega on the south coast up to Maryborough in Queensland. It is a tall tree, up to 75 metres in height.

After a bushfire, the lower trunk of the tree is dramatically darkened – hence the name ‘blackbutt’.

Appearance
The timber has a colour ranging from a golden yellow through to pale browns. The colour range is subtle and is excellent where the colour requirement is light and neutral. The sapwood is distinctly lighter than the heartwood. Some material sourced from the northern part of its range may have a slightly pinkish tinge. The sapwood is not susceptible to lyctid borer attack.

Properties
Blackbutt is an extremely versatile timber with uses ranging from poles and sleepers through to decking, flooring and furniture. The hardwood is classified as Class 1 and has a life expectancy of 40 years. All timber is assigned a durability classification (Classes 1- 4) following inground testing. This ensures adequate life expectancy when exposed to both fungal and insect attack. The lower the number the higher the performance in terms of durability.