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Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)
Spruce-Pine-Fir, or SPF, is the generic name for a variety of softwood species, even-grained and yellowish-white in colour, imported from North America and used in housing construction frames.
Spotted Gum | Corymbia maculata
Spotted Gum – an attractive and durable Australian hardwood used in flooring, lining, decking and cladding.
Spotted Gum is a premium Australian hardwood that is used widely in structural, exterior and internal applications.
Other Names: Lemon-scented Gum, Spotted Irongum, Eucalyptus maculata, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus citriodora, Corymbia henryi, Eucalyptus henryi
Overview
Spotted Gum is one of Australia’s premium native hardwoods with a striking appearance and a high degree of natural durability and strength, making it an ideal timber for a variety of structural, exterior and interior applications. Architects and designers throughout the world value Spotted Gum timbers for their back-sawn grain structure, attractive markings and vibrant colour palette.
Spotted Gum is the common name for four species that grow along the east coast of Australia, from northeast Victoria to the northern tablelands of Queensland, with some occurrence in western areas of southern Queensland. Sawn timber from these species is generally available throughout Australia. These species have straight, slender trunks with smooth bark that is shed in patches, giving the trees their characteristic spotted appearance.
The species referred to as Spotted Gum vary in appearance but not in durability class or other properties. The heartwood ranges from light brown through to dark red-brown hues. Sapwood is usually white to light brown in colour. The presence of a wavy grain can produce an attractive fiddle-back figure. The wood has a slightly greasy feel, a characteristic that aids machining and boring. Spotted Gum components that are 18mm thick or greater do not require fire retardant treatment for use in construction in bush-fire prone areas.
Spotted Gum is used in engineering applications such as wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross-arms and mining timbers. It is suitable for a range of building applications, such as posts and poles, framing, flooring, lining, decking and cladding. Spotted Gum is also used in the manufacture of veneer and plywood. Other applications include boatbuilding, tool and implement handles, polo sticks and diving boards. Compared to other Australian hardwoods, Spotted Gum is a minimal staining timber as it is less prone to bleed-through of tannins than other species. Spotted Gum is also a good timber for carving and woodturning.
Properties
Shrinkage
| Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
Tangential: |
|||||
| 6.1 | |||||
| Radial: | 3 - 4 | ||||
| Unit Movement: |
0.38 % |
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: | F27 | F17 | F14 | F11 | F8 |
| Seasoned: | F34 | F27 | F22 | F17 | F14 |
Density per Standard
| Unseasoned: | 1150 kg/m3 |
|---|---|
| Seasoned: | 990 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: |
99 |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: |
150 |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned: |
18 |
| Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: |
23 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned: |
50 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: |
75 |
| Impact - Unseasoned: |
20 |
| Impact - Seasoned: |
24 |
| Toughness - Unseasoned: |
High - 25 Nm and above |
| Toughness - Seasoned: |
High - 25 Nm and above |
| Hardness - Unseasoned: |
8.0 |
| Hardness - Seasoned: |
11 |
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: |
| Group Number - Other: | For plywood-
|
|---|---|
| Average Specific Extinction Area: |
<250 |
| Bushfire Resistance: |
BAL 12.5, 19 and 29 – All AS3959 required applications |
Description
| Botanical Name: | Corymbia maculata |
|---|---|
| Preferred Common Name: | Spotted Gum |
| Other Names: | Lemon-scented Gum, Spotted Irongum, Eucalyptus maculata, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus citriodora, Corymbia henryi, Eucalyptus henryi |
| Species Type: | Hardwood |
Appearance
Spotted Gum timbers are available in a range of colours depending on the location of the source forest. The heartwood ranges from light brown through definite browns to deep red-brown hues. Sapwood is white to light brown in colour and can be up to 50mm wide. Spotted Gum is a moderately coarse and uneven textured wood with some timbers having the additional feature of a wavy grain, giving rise to an attractive fiddleback figure.
Common Applications
Spotted Gum has a long history of usage in engineering applications such as wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross-arms and mining timbers. It is used for a variety of applications, including structural building members, such as posts and poles, and for framing, flooring, lining, decking and cladding. It is also used in boatbuilding and is the primary Australian timber used for the handles of tools and implements that are subject to high impact forces. Spotted Gum is a suitable carving and woodturning timber and is used in the manufacture of both indoor and outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture in Spotted Gum has consistently won industry awards in Australia and is exported to a range of destinations around the world.
Common Form
Sawn, Veneer
Workability
Spotted Gum machines well due to its natural greasiness and there is no difficulty using the timber with standard fittings and fastenings. As with most high-density species, machining and surface preparation should be done immediately before gluing. Spotted Gum readily accepts paint, stains and polish. It has a lower tannin content than most other eucalypts, therefore staining of paintwork or brickwork as a result of water running over unpainted timber surfaces is less likely to occur.
Origin of Timber
NSW, VIC, QLD, Oceania
Readily Available
NSW, VIC, QLD
Availability - Further Information
Sawn timber from these species is generally available throughout Australia, and Spotted Gum is currently the highest volume native hardwood harvested in Queensland. Spotted Gum is exported to the US and a range of other destinations.
Source of Timber
Native Forest, Plantation
Applications
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Architectural Roof Trusses
Architectural timber roof trusses create strong visual impact. Often used as part of ‘cathedral ceiling’ systems, timber can be specified light or heavy to suit the chosen theme and style. On finish, they can be left natural or may be oiled, stained, painted or highly decorated. Choice is limited only by individual style and design preferences.
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Decking
Timber decking creates spaces that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing. 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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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.
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Exterior Stairs
For outdoor applications, timber is one of the leading material choices. Timber use in external staircase applications creates structures of strength and durability, sheathed in a natural beauty that blends seamlessly with the outdoor environment.
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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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Interior Stairs
Timber should be the material of choice for designers seeking internal staircases of strength, beauty and durability. The construction procedure described here applies to most general type stairs of either conventional or contemporary construction.
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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
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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.
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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
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ARkit Prefab and Prefabricated Eco Homes
Prefab and Prefabricated Eco Homes Australia: ARkit’s timber kit homes change the way we think about sustainable building and living.
Applications: Decking, External Cladding, Flooring, Framing, Internal Paneling, Windows, -
Eastern Precinct, University of Melbourne, Parkville
The durability and warmth of timber supports the University of Melbourne’s model, providing a new learning landscape at the Eastern Precinct Student Centre.
Applications: Decking, Doors, External Cladding, Flooring, Internal Paneling, Windows, -
Kew House 3
Vibe Design Group’s, Kew House 3 uses timbers natural warmth and appeal to not only wrap a dynamic exterior but also evoke a journey of discovery within the home.
Applications: Decking, External Cladding, Fencing, Flooring, Timber Joinery Products, -
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, -
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, -
National Portrait Gallery, Canberra
Jarrah, Spotted Gum, Blackbutt and Victorian Ash play an essential role in the National Portrait Gallery’s expression of Australian identity.
Applications: Architectural Roof Trusses, External Cladding, Flooring, Framing, Interior Stairs, Internal Paneling, 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,
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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. -
Australian Timber Products Pty Ltd (Austim)
Austim is Perth's largest importer and stockist of exotic timbers. We are a market leading supplier of quality timber based products, sourced from many global regions
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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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George Fethers & Co.
Architectural Marketing
Architectual Timber Veneer and Engineered Flooring -
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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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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Meyer Timber Pty. Ltd.
We are one of the largest wholesale operations in Australia and continue to grow. We carry all of the material that would typically be carried in a Mitre10 or Bunnings.
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