Stringybark, White

White stringybark occurs along the coast and adjacent tablelands of New South Wales, extending north to Yarraman, Queensland, with isolated stands in the Carnarvon Range and Blackdown Tableland areas, and on elevated sites as far north as Cooktown. It is a medium-sized forest tree growing to 35 metres in height, with a stem diameter of up to one metre. The trunk is generally straight and of good form.

The heartwood of this species is light brown to pale pink in colour. Sapwood is paler but not always clearly distinguishable from the true wood. Grain is generally uniform and medium-textured, but occasional interlocking can produce attractive figure in some samples.

White stringybark is rated as a class 2 hardwood with an above ground life expectancy of up to 40 years, and an in ground life expectancy of between 15 and 25 years. It is not termite-resistant. Sapwood (but not heartwood) is readily impregnated with preservatives. White stringybark is not susceptible to lyctid borer (powder post beetle) attack.

Although White stringybark is a very hard timber (rated 1 on a 6-class scale), it machines and turns well, and is amenable to the use of standard fastenings and fittings. It readily accepts paint, stains and polish. As with most high-density species, machining and surface preparation should be done immediately prior to gluing.

The timber of this species is used across a range of applications. Sawn timber is used in wharf and bridge construction; as railway sleepers, cross-arms, poles, piles and mining timbers; and for general house framing and cladding, flooring and decking, linings and joinery. White stringybark is also used for fencing, landscaping and retaining walls. Other uses include outdoor furniture and turnery; boat, coach and carriage building; and structural plywood.