Hardwood Timber Species Specification Data: Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys)
Hardwood Species: Tallowwood
Tallowwood Species Description
Native and common to both Queensland and New South Wales, tallowwood is a tall evergreen, growing to around 40 meters and dependent on moderately fertile soil and high levels of direct sunlight. Tallowwood, despite its dependence on fertile soil and direct sunlight, has been known to thrive in mountainous and hilly and locations where it’s occasionally subjected to both excessive frost and drought.
Named for the greasy, oily feel of the wood when it’s cut, tallowwood has spongy, soft, orange-tinged rough bark and a dense crown of leaves. These leaves, which have traditionally been used to dye wools and silken cloth, are a natural food source for koalas, and the sap of the tallowwood is highly sought-after by beekeepers for the distinctive flavour it lends to honey.
Tallowwood has naturally high occurring amounts of tannin in its timber, lending it a unique grain structure, beautiful growth rings, and a yellowish-brown hue with olive green notes throughout. It’s a relatively hardy timber with a Janka rating of 8.6 and a density of 990 kg/m³, making it robust and durable yet still workable, and as a result it’s a darling of architectural designers everywhere. Tallowwood is often used for solid timber flooring and decking, as its naturally high tannin count acts as a strong preservative against weathering despite its moderate hardness rating.
Dry Density: range 990 kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 8.6 kN
These properties are only a guide, as timber is a natural product there will be variations within any species. The Janka Dry Hardness rating measures the hardness of the wood. The higher the number the harder the wood.
Use this species in your next project
If you would like to use this species in your next project and need assistance with either choosing the correct flooring panels or the installation of your next flooring project then please get in touch with one of our flooring specialists using the form below.
We also offer a more personalised service for those looking for renovation advisory where our team come to your location and help you choose the best species and style to fit the room.
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