Timber species | Black River Timber

Raintree/MonkeyPod (Albizia Saman/Saman Samanea)

Our most popular timber, Raintree is a beautiful big tropical tree, and an equally beautiful timber. The heartwood grain is golden brown with darker streaks and the sapwood is light brown - this timber is highly prized world wide, and we refer to it as Australia's Black Walnut equivalent. It's one of the softer hardwoods, and is an ideal feature piece for furniture or carvings.

This timber is not native to Australia, and is more prone to borers. We strongly recommend sterilising all Raintree timber, either either heat or chemicals.

Hardness: 4.8 kN
Natural Durability: Class 3
Termite Resistance: Moderate

African Mahogany (Khaya Senegalensis)

African Mahogany is commonly accepted as a Mahogany and is valued by various woodworkers for it's workability, strength and longetivty. It has a bold reddish brown heartwood with interlocked grain and a pale brown sap-wood. It's often used in boat building furniture, structural timber, instruments and cabinetry.

Hardness: 5.5 kN
Natural Durability: Class 2
Termite Resistance: Moderate

Beach Almond (Aleurites moluccanus)

Often found in humid mixed rainforests, Beach Almond (also known as Candlenut or Indian Walnut) is a versatile timber with a distinct aesthetic. It features a light brown heartwood that blends seamlessly into the sapwood, offering a consistent, clean look. Because it is a softer timber, it is an excellent choice for crafting lightweight furniture, canoes, and intricate carving work where workability is key.

Hardness: 1.52 kN
Natural Durability: Class 5 (Low)
Termite Resistance: Low
Slab sizes up to 400mm wide, 2.5 long

Black Wattle (Acacia Mearnsii)

Sourced from Eastern Australia, Black Wattle is a robust choice for projects requiring a dense timber with character. It presents a light to medium brown hue and it's density makes it highly suitable for structural applications, including durable furniture, flooring and general construction where stretch is a priority.

Hardness: 7.59 kN
Natural Durability: Class 2 (Low)
Termite Resistance: Moderate
Slab sizes up to 400mm wide, 3.3m long

Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia)

A striking timber from Northeast Queensland, Bloodwood is prized for its pale-medium pinkish-brown heartwood, often highlighted with varied orange or red tones. It has a medium-coarse texture and interlocked grain, making it incredibly tough. While it can be challenging to work due to its grain, the effort yields results that are perfect for high-exposure applications like decking, poles, cladding, and boat building. Note that this timber often features gum veins, adding to its natural, rustic appeal.

Hardness: 9.5 kN
Natural Durability: Class 1-2
Termite Resistance: High

Photo coming soon...

Bluegum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)

Also known as Forest Red Gum, this timber is a staple of tropical and subtropical regions. It features a beautiful pale-reddish-brown heartwood derived from trees with rough, fibrous bark. Bluegum is a heavy-duty performer; its significant hardness makes it ideal for heavy construction, flooring, and sturdy furniture. It occasionally features medullary rays, which can add unique visual interest to the grain.

Hardness: 7.2 kN
Natural Durability: Class 1
Termite Resistance: High

Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon)

Ironbark is widely considered one of the premium Australian hardwoods for durability and strength. Sourced from Inland and North Queensland, it boasts a deep red heartwood that is extremely hard and dense. It is exceptionally stable and resistant to rot, making it the ultimate choice for heavy traffic areas and structural integrity. It is perfect for flooring, heavy construction, and high-end furniture that is built to last generations.

Hardness: 14 kN
Density: 1000 - 1120 kg/m³
Natural Durability: Class 1
Termite Resistance: High

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Mango wood is a sustainable favorite for furniture makers and artisans. The timber features a pale yellow-brown heartwood, often characterized by interlocked or wavy grain patterns that create a "curly" figure. The wood is known for its rich color which tends to darken beautifully over time. It is an excellent choice for furniture, decorative chopping boards, and carving, offering a unique look that stands out in any home.

Hardness: 5.5 kN
Density: 560 - 650 kg/m³
Natural Durability: Class 3
Termite Resistance: Moderate

Moreton Bay Ash (Corymbia tessellaris)

Also known as Carbeen, this timber is found in open woodlands and plains. It offers a light-to-medium brown color palette with a fine, even texture, making it highly attractive for interior design. With an interlocked grain and moderate-to-high density, it is a durable option for cabinetry, flooring, and furniture. It is noticeably resistant to termites, adding to its longevity in household applications.

Hardness: 6.0 kN
Density: 850 - 950 kg/m³
Natural Durability: Class 1
Termite Resistance: Resistant