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Oregon Maple is popular in veneer production for furniture and cabinetry. Its highly figured wood is sought after for musical instruments such as guitar bodies, stringed instruments and piano frames, as well as salad bowls. The Indigenous Lakwungen people of Vancouver Island knew it as the ‘Paddle Tree’ and created paddles and spindle wheels from its wood.

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River Red Gum | Eucalyptus camaldulensis

River Red Gum’s famed brilliant red wood and distinctive fiddle-back figure make it a handsome choice for interior applications and furniture making, while its durability is invaluable for heavy construction work.

River Red Gum – an iconic Australian timber perfect for both interior and exterior applications.

The timber of the iconic River Red Gum has a reputation for durability, strength and for its distinctive brilliant red colouring ranging from pink to almost black.

Other Names: Blue Gum, Red Gum, Murray River Gum, yarrow, Eucalyptus Rostrata

Overview
Properties
Description
Applications
Case Studies
Suppliers

Overview

The River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is an iconic Australian tree, yielding an equally iconic Australian timber. The timber of this renowned species has a reputation for durability, strength and its distinctive red colouring. Its wide availability has seen it used for a range of applications including heavy construction, railway sleepers, flooring, framing, fencing, plywood and veneer manufacture, wood turning, firewood and charcoal production. It was also commonly used as street paving throughout Sydney in the late 1800s.

The River Red Gum has a widespread distribution around the Australian mainland, except southern Western Australia, south-western South Australia and the eastern coastal areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In keeping with its name, this species is commonly found along the rivers. It can withstand submersion during floods for long periods.

The hallmark of River Red Gum timber is its distinctive red appearance. The heartwood is red to reddish brown in colour with the timber's texture having some coarseness. The grain is commonly interlocked with frequent gum veins. The timber's charm is often best showcased in furniture; the spectacular deep red colour and the typical fiddle-back figure of River Red Gum timber make each piece of furniture unique.

The heartwood of the River Red Gum displays considerable durability (class 2), allowing for a range of exterior applications, including heavy commercial construction, general framing, sleepers, flooring, panelling and joinery.

Properties

Shrinkage

	Very Low	Low	Medium	High	Very High
Tangential:
Tangential:					8.9
Radial:					> 5
Unit Movement:					0.31 %

Strength Group

	Very High	High	Reasonably High	Medium High	Medium	Reasonably Low	Low	Very Low
Unseasoned:	S1	S2	S3	S4	S5	S6	S7
Unseasoned:
Seasoned:	SD1	SD2	SD3	SD4	SD5	SD6	SD7	SD8
Seasoned:

Stress Grade

	Structural No. 1	Structural No. 2	Structural No. 3	Structural No. 4	Structural No. 5
Unseasoned:	F11	F8	F7	F5	F4
Seasoned:	F17	F14	F11	F8	F7

Density per Standard

Unseasoned:	1130 kg/m³
Seasoned:	910 kg/m³

Joint Group

	Very High	High	Reasonably High	Medium	Low	Very Low
Unseasoned:	J1	J2	J3	J4	J5	J6
Unseasoned:
Seasoned:	JD1	JD2	JD3	JD4	JD5	JD6
Seasoned:

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:	64
Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned:	101
Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned:	8
Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned:	11
Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned:	33
Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned:	55
Impact - Unseasoned:	14
Impact - Seasoned:	8.1
Toughness - Unseasoned:	Medium - 15 - 25 Nm
Toughness - Seasoned:	Low - up to 15 Nm
Hardness - Unseasoned:	7.7
Hardness - Seasoned:	10

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:	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, 19 and 29 – All AS3959 required applications

Description

Botanical Name:	Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Preferred Common Name:	River Red Gum
Other Names:	Blue Gum, Red Gum, Murray River Gum, yarrow, Eucalyptus Rostrata
Species Type:	Hardwood

Appearance

The River Red Gum is so named for its brilliant red wood, which can range from a light pink through to almost black, depending on the age and weathering of the timber. The timber can be somewhat brittle to handle, and its texture is moderately coarse and even. Its interlocked grain and ever-present gum veins add to its appearance, but may make it difficult to work. The high incidence of cross-grain can also make hand working complex. River Red Gum has recently been recognised in craft furniture. Its deep red colour and distinctive fiddle-back figure make it a popular timber for wood turners and cabinetmakers alike.

Common Applications

Traditionally, River Red Gum is used in rot resistant applications, as stumps, fence posts and sleepers. Its colour and distinctive figure have more recently become popular for decorative furnishing. This widely available timber has been used in domestic decks, exposed hardwood structures as well as internal fit-outs, joinery and in furniture. River Red Gum is well suited to garden landscape structures such as retaining walls and garden beds. It is excellent for non-domestic decks and timber flooring as well as structural applications.

Common Form

Sawn

Workability

River Red Gum requires care when working. The heartwood of this distinctive species is quite durable (class 2), allowing for a range of exterior applications, but the sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack.

While the durability, distinctive colour and figure offer great versatility, this timber needs careful selection as it tends to be quite reactive to changes in humidity (that is, it moves about a lot in service). It is quite hard and dense (about 900 kg/m3) making it difficult to machine and tough to sand. It is a popular timber for wood turners, particularly if old and well seasoned, and carves well. It can, however, be difficult to nail and screw, and can be glued using polyurethane. It takes a fine polish and accepts most coatings, but is particularly suited to oil, which creates a brilliant finish.

Origin of Timber

NSW, VIC, SA, QLD, WA, NT

Readily Available

NSW, VIC

Availability - Further Information

River Red Gum trees are a common sight along the rivers and waterways of the Australian mainland. It speed of growth makes it a useful plantation timber, and as a result, it has become one of the most widely planted eucalypts in the world. Plantations occur in Argentina, Arizona, Brazil, California, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe. The timber is therefore readily available.

Source of Timber

Native Forest, Plantation

Applications

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.
Doors

Timber is one of the most popular and superior material choices for both internal and external doors. Whether manufactured from solid or engineered timber, there are many stylish and practical options that won't compromise on strength and structural performance. A distinctive timber door can also create visual impact, adding value to any commercial or domestic building.
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.
Internal Paneling

Timber paneling creates interiors as warm as they are stylish. Commonly utilising an MDF or plywood substrate, internal timber paneling is natural and versatile and comes as either solid natural timber panels or as sheets of engineered wood products
Pergolas

A timber pergola is a practical, functional and attractive way to extend living and entertainment spaces into the outdoors.
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.
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.
Timber Joinery Products

Timber joinery products offer a classic, unique and stylish touch to any interior design.
Windows

With natural aesthetic appeal, versatility and sound structural performance, timber provides excellent window joinery design options. Whether stained to bring out natural tones, or painted to compliment particular décors, timber windows can be tailored to suit a huge variety of styles and can be installed into any type of building.

Case Studies

Community Facilities, Kensington Gardens

An award-winning building where timber is featured to spectacular effect as well as adding the warmth and character that make residents feel at home.

Applications: Architectural Roof Trusses, Flooring, Internal Paneling,
Letterbox House, Blairgowrie

A holiday home that uses a range of commercial timber products and salvaged on-site timber to award winning effect.

Applications: Architectural Roof Trusses, Doors, External Cladding, Fencing, Flooring, Framing, Windows,
Svarmisk Resort Centre, Mt Beauty

A striking eco-resort that embodies the essence of new and recycled timber working together to form a unique, innovative and sustainable development.

Applications: External Cladding, Flooring, Framing, Interior Rails and Balustrades, Interior Stairs, Internal Paneling, Pergolas, Shear walls, Structural Timber Poles,