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Grey Ironbark | Eucalyptus paniculata
Grey Ironbark is a premium native hardwood that has been well regarded as a high quality timber in Australia throughout human history.
Grey Ironbark is a premium native Australian hardwood with a wide range of applications from industrial construction to house framing, flooring and sporting goods.
Other Names: White Ironbark, Eucalyptus drepanophylla, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Eucalyptus decepta
Overview
Grey Ironbark is a premium native hardwood that has been well regarded as a high quality timber in Australia throughout human history. Indigenous Australians use it to make spear throwers and boil its bark for treating sores. It is a particularly hard, strong and durable timber, with a truly broad range of applications, due to its resistance to lyctid borers and termites.
The Grey Ironbark is a medium sized tree of 30 to 50m with a stem diameter of 1.5m. The bark is hard, coarse, with deep furrows and ridges, ranging from dark brown to black in colour and grows even on the small branches. E. drepanophylla is found from northern New South Wales to Bundaberg, Queensland. It is also found in scattered patches as far north as the Atherton Tableland. E. paniculata is found in New South Wales only from Bega to Coffs Harbour.
A very heavy timber, at 1120 kilograms per cubic metre, Grey Ironbark is dense and can be difficult to work. Dressed surfaces take on a steely sheen. The timber's appearance ranges from reddish to dark brown heartwood. The sapwood is lighter in colour and is 20mm thick on average. Grain is usually tight and straight and no distinctive figure is encountered.
Both sawn and round grey ironbark timber has a wide range of applications. Engineering uses include railway sleepers, construction, poles and cross-arms, and bridge construction. Unseasoned timber is used in house framing, while dressed timber can be employed for both internal and external use. It has also been used in boat, coach, vehicle and carriage building and to create sporting goods.
Properties
Shrinkage
| Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
Tangential: |
|||||
| 7.5 | |||||
| Radial: | 4 - 5 | ||||
| Unit Movement: |
0.39 % |
Strength Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium High | Medium | Reasonably Low | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | |
| Seasoned: | SD1 | SD2 | SD3 | SD4 | SD5 | SD6 | SD7 | SD8 |
Stress Grade
| Structural No. 1 |
Structural No. 2 |
Structural No. 3 |
Structural No. 4 |
Structural No. 5 |
|
| Unseasoned: | F22 | F22 | F17 | F14 | F11 |
| Seasoned: | F34 | F34 | F27 | F22 | F17 |
Density per Standard
| Unseasoned: | 1210 kg/m3 |
|---|---|
| Seasoned: | 1090 kg/m3 |
Joint Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | J1 | J2 | J3 | J4 | J5 | J6 |
| Seasoned: | JD1 | JD2 | JD3 | JD4 | JD5 | JD6 |
Colour
| White, yellow, pale straw to light brown | Pink to pink brown | Light to dark red | Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky | |
Mechanical Properties
| Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned: |
120 |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: |
181 |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned: |
20 |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: |
24 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned: |
60 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: |
95 |
| Impact - Unseasoned: |
24 |
| Impact - Seasoned: |
27 |
| Toughness - Unseasoned: |
High - 25 Nm and above |
| Toughness - Seasoned: |
High - 25 Nm and above |
| Hardness - Unseasoned: |
11 |
| Hardness - Seasoned: |
14 |
Durability
| Low | Moderate | Reasonably High | High | |
| (0 - 5 yrs) | (5 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 25 yrs) | (more than 25 yrs) | |
| In-Ground: |
||||
| (0 - 7 yrs) | (7 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 40 yrs) | (More than 40 yrs) | |
| Above ground: |
||||
| (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5) | (21 - 40 yrs) | (41 - 64 yrs) | (More than 60 yrs) | |
| Marine Borer Resistance: |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptibility: |
Not Susceptible |
|---|---|
| Termite Resistance: |
Resistant |
Fire Properties
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |
| EFH Ignitibility: |
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| EFH Spread-of-Flame Index: |
|||||||||||
| EFH Smoke-Developed Index: |
| Critical Radiance Flux - Lower: |
>2.2 and <4.5 kW/m2 |
|---|---|
| Critical Radiance Flux - Higher: |
≥4.5 kW/m2 |
| Smoke Development Rate: |
<750 |
| 1 - non-combustible | 2 - reasonably non-combustible | 3 - slightly combustible | 4 - combustible | |
| Fire Properties Group Number: |
| Average Specific Extinction Area: |
<250 |
|---|---|
| Bushfire Resistance: |
BAL 12.5 and 19 – All AS3959 required applications |
Description
| Botanical Name: | Eucalyptus paniculata |
|---|---|
| Preferred Common Name: | Grey Ironbark |
| Other Names: | White Ironbark, Eucalyptus drepanophylla, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Eucalyptus decepta |
| Species Type: | Hardwood |
Appearance
Grey Ironbark sapwood is almost white, making it highly distinct from the heartwood, which ranges from light grey or light chocolate with darker reds and browns sometimes occurring. The timber's texture is moderately coarse and even, and the grain usually straight, and only occasionally interlocked. Grey Ironbark may have regional variations in timber colour, with some timbers having black narrow to broad streaks running through the timber.
Common Applications
Due to its class 1 strength and durability ratings, Grey Ironbark is commonly used in engineering applications as a sawn and round timber. It can be used for wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross arms, poles, piles and mining timbers. The unseasoned timber is excellent for general house framing, while seasoned and dressed grey ironbark timber is used for cladding, internal and external flooring, linings and joinery. It is also ideal for fencing, landscaping and retaining walls.
Grey Ironbark has been employed for decorative purposes such as in outdoor furniture, turnery and joinery, although it is hard to work in applications requiring fine detail.
The timber's versatility extends to boat building (keel and framing components, planking), including reputed use in the hulls of early ice-breaker ships. Coach, vehicle and carriage building, agricultural machinery, mallet heads, mauls and bearings, sporting goods (croquet mallets, parallel bars) and bowling ninepins have all been produced using Grey Ironbark.
Common Form
Sawn
Workability
Due to its class 1 strength and durability ratings, Grey Ironbark is commonly used in engineering applications as a sawn and round timber. It can be used for wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross arms, poles, piles and mining timbers. The unseasoned timber is excellent for general house framing, while seasoned and dressed grey ironbark timber is used for cladding, internal and external flooring, linings and joinery. It is also ideal for fencing, landscaping and retaining walls.
Grey Ironbark has been employed for decorative purposes such as in outdoor furniture, turnery and joinery, although it is hard to work in applications requiring fine detail.
The timber's versatility extends to boat building (keel and framing components, planking), including reputed use in the hulls of early ice-breaker ships. Coach, vehicle and carriage building, agricultural machinery, mallet heads, mauls and bearings, sporting goods (croquet mallets, parallel bars) and bowling ninepins have all been produced using grey ironbark.
Origin of Timber
NSW, QLD
Readily Available
NSW, QLD
Availability - Further Information
Grey Ironbark is common to coastal regions of NSW and in southern Queensland. E paniculata is the most common commercial species of Ironbark timber. It is not generally available in a range of sizes, but can be supplied to order. Large sizes in particular are commonly ordered for structural uses, so it is more readily available in this form
Applications
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Decking
Timber decking creates spaces that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. With the right design and care a timber deck will make a valuable addition to any home or business, creating an outdoor living space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
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External Cladding
The natural appeal, versatility and strength of timber makes it the superior choice for external cladding. Through specification, planning, design and finishing processes, timber cladding not only creates a building of superior strength, acoustic and thermal performance but also creates a place of beauty, style and natural appeal.
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Flooring
Whether for structural or finished flooring applications, timber offers durability, versatility and adaptability. The warmth, strength and natural beauty of timber flooring has proved enduringly popular in a wide variety of interior settings.
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Framing
Since people began building simple shelters, wooden framing has played an important role in shaping structures of many kinds. One of the most popular types of wooden framing is known as lightweight timber construction.
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Retaining Walls (Landscaping)
When it comes to retaining wall, landscape design and construction, timber is the natural choice. A material that is durable, sturdy and reliable, it boasts natural aesthetics that help it blend seamlessly with the outdoors. Careful consideration during the specification and design process will facilitate the creation of a long lasting, durable and eye catching timber retaining wall that will complement its surrounding landscape for years to come.
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Structural Timber Poles
Timber poles are utilised in structural construction to provide support for gravity loads and resistance against lateral forces. Not only serving a structural function, timber poles provide many aesthetic benefits, with their use in construction often complementing architectural designs aimed at harmonisation with the natural environment.
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Timber Joinery Products
Timber joinery products offer a classic, unique and stylish touch to any interior design.
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Timber Mouldings
Mouldings are extremely versatile and durable, enhancing the aesthetics of any interior and functioning as the icing on the cake for designs with a focus on beauty and splendour.
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Timber Portal Frames
For buildings that require large spans and column free interiors, timber portal frames provide one of the most aesthetically pleasing solutions. Utilising modern engineering technology, portal frame design transforms timber into a highly effective, efficient and economical structural product. This application guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process of using timber in the specification, fabrication and erection of portal frame structures.
Case Studies
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Cranbourne Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre
The new Visitor Centre in the Australian Garden of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne becomes a model of sustainable design the public can apply at home.
Applications: Decking, Doors, External Cladding, Framing, Windows, -
Lewis St House, Thornbury
A stunning residential renovation and addition that uses timber and timber products throughout with a commitment to sustainable design.
Applications: Architectural Roof Trusses, Doors, External Cladding, Flooring, Framing, Interior Stairs, Windows, -
Mingara One Fitness Centre
A breathtaking addition to the Mingara Recreation Club campus on the NSW central coast, covering 2000sqm of commercial gymnasium over two levels.
Applications: Doors, External Cladding, Flooring, Interior Stairs, Internal Paneling, -
Peninsula Hot Springs
At the Peninsula Hot Springs Gregory Burgess Architects use timber to create environments that enhance the spirit.
Applications: Decking, External Cladding, Flooring, Framing, Interior Stairs, Structural Timber Poles,
Result(s) page 1 of 1
Suppliers
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Australian Solar Timbers (AST)
Natural Excellence in Hardwood Flooring Products
AST provides a wide range of solid hardwood products including T&G flooring, Panache flooring, PR decking and Parquet all in various widths and thicknesses. -
Boral Timber
Boral Timber is one of the largest suppliers of certified hardwood, softwood and plywood timber in Australia
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Briggs Veneers Pty Ltd
Australia's largest range of sustainable reconstructed and natural timber veneers, including FSC/AFS certified veneers, reconstructed veneers, veneer layons and Fire Retardant MDF
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Britton Timbers
Britton Timbers comprises timber processing, manufacturing & distribution operations for export & domestic sales of quality Australian & imported timber products from its Tasmanian operations & national distribution centres in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane
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Hyne & Son Pty Limited
Hyne Timber is the leading supplier of timber and timber products in Australia. We are an unwavering commitment to sustainably grown plantation timber production and supply in Australia
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ITI (Australia)
ITI offers an extensive range of solid, engineered and composite timber products from all corners of the globe (including a domestic supply).
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John Cook & Sons
John Cook and Sons offers an extensive range of solid, engineered and composite timber products from all corners of the globe (including a domestic supply).
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Mathews Timber Pty Ltd
Proudly servicing the Industry for over 50 years. We import timber from all round the world as well as sourcing the best of our local species.
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N.K.Collins Industries P/L
We are the largest Cypress Sawmiller/Suppliers in Australia and supply the majority of retail and trade outlets. Also, we export to the USA, New Zealand, Brazil, S.E. Asia and Japan.
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Simmonds Lumber Pty Ltd
We are the #1 importer of Merbau Decking in Australia
Supplying Australia & New Zealand
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