Tel: (02) 6495 7877
Density - 800 to 900 kg/m³
Hardness - Hard, Janka rating 9.3Kn
Durability Above ground - Class 1, 40 years +
Durability In ground - Class 2, 25 years Moderately termite resistant
BAL 29
Readily available
Australian Blackbutt Timber
Blackbutt is a versatile Australian hardwood with an even texture and generally straight grain, though it can sometimes be interlocked. The heartwood ranges from golden yellow to pale brown, occasionally with a pinkish hue, while the paler sapwood is not always easy to distinguish and may contain small gum veins. Commonly used for structural, exterior, and interior applications, blackbutt is popular for timber framing in New South Wales and southern Queensland, as well as for cladding, flooring, decking, joinery, landscaping, furniture, and plywood manufacturing. Native to coastal regions from Bega in New South Wales to Maryborough in Queensland, blackbutt is generally readily available in these areas.
What are the benefits of using Blackbutt Timber in Building and Construction?
Durable
Blackbutt is rated Class 1 for above-ground durability, making it excellent for structural, decking, and external cladding applications.
Workability
It machines well and accepts stains, paints, and finishes effectively, making it a favourite among builders and woodworkers.
Versatile
Suitable for a wide range of uses including flooring, furniture, framing, cladding, and joinery, thanks to its strength and appealing appearance.
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Fire Resistant
It is one of the few hardwoods approved for use in BAL-29 bushfire-prone areas without treatment, making it suitable for homes in fire-risk zones.
Blackbutt Timber Properties
Blackbutt trees grow naturally in:
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New South Wales (NSW) – Primarily along the coastal regions and tablelands.
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Queensland – Found along the coastal areas and extending into some inland regions.
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Victoria – Mainly in the northeast part of the state.
Blackbutt is typically found in regions with a moderate to subtropical climate and is commonly associated with fertile soils in forested areas.
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The density of Blackbutt timber typically ranges from 800 to 900 kg/m³ when air-dried. This makes it a medium to heavy hardwood, giving it strong durability, stability, and a good resistance to wear
The Janka hardness of Blackbutt timber is typically around 9.3 kN (kilonewtons). This makes it a relatively hard timber, suitable for high-traffic areas and applications that require durability, such as flooring and decking. Its hardness ensures good resistance to dents, scratches, and wear.
Blackbutt timber is classified as Durability Class 1 under Australian standards for above-ground use, indicating very high resistance to decay and suitability for outdoor structures such as decking, posts, and beams. For in-ground applications, it is classified as Durability Class 2, making it highly durable and suitable for posts, beams, and other structures in contact with the ground.
Blackbutt timber has moderate resistance to termites. While it is naturally durable and offers some protection against insect attack, it is not as resistant as timbers like Spotted Gum or Ironbark
Not susceptible: This timber is not susceptible to lyctid borer attack.
Blackbutt timber has a fire resistance rating of BAL 19 (Bushfire Attack Level 19), which means it offers a moderate level of fire resistance. This makes it suitable for use in areas with a potential for bushfires, as it can withstand exposure to fire for a certain period without significant damage.
Typical uses of Blackbutt timber include:
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Decking
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Flooring
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Posts and beams
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Cladding and screening
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Structural framing
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Fencing and landscaping
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Outdoor furniture
Its strength, durability, and natural resistance to decay and termites make it ideal for both structural and aesthetic applications, particularly in outdoor and exposed environments.
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Colour variations in Blackbutt Timber
Blackbutt hardwood timber is celebrated for its warm, natural appearance and subtle colour variations that bring character to any space. Ranging from pale straw through to soft golden honey and light brown tones, Blackbutt offers a clean, contemporary look with enough variation to keep it visually interesting. Occasional hints of pink or a slightly darker brown may also appear, adding depth without overpowering the timber’s overall consistency. Its relatively uniform grain and light colouring make it a versatile choice that complements a wide range of interior styles, from coastal and modern to rustic and traditional.
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Some of our Blackbutt Timber produts
Get The Blackbutt Timber Look
Bring natural warmth and clean, modern style to your space with the Blackbutt timber look. Known for its pale honey tones and straight grain, Blackbutt suits contemporary, coastal, and classic designs alike. At North Eden Timber, we offer a quality selection of Blackbutt flooring, cladding, and structural timber to help you achieve this timeless Australian aesthetic.
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Blackbutt timber is a strong, versatile Australian hardwood prized for its pale blond to honey-brown tones and straight grain. It is naturally durable, fire-resistant (suitable for BAL-29 rated areas), and termite-resistant, making it a popular choice for flooring, decking, cladding, and structural uses. Blackbutt also machines and finishes well, offering a clean, modern look that suits a wide range of architectural styles.
Blackbutt is widely used for:
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Flooring – prized for its hardness, durability, and attractive appearance
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Decking – excellent for outdoor spaces due to its natural durability and fire resistance
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Cladding – popular for its clean grain and suitability in bushfire-prone areas
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Structural applications – used in framing, beams, posts, and bridges thanks to its strength
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Joinery and furniture – valued for its consistent texture and workability
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Yes, Blackbutt is highly suitable for bushfire-prone areas — it is naturally fire-resistant and is one of the few timbers certified for use in areas rated up to BAL-29 under Australian standards.
Blackbutt generally does not need to be treated for above-ground use because it is naturally durable and termite-resistant; however, treatment may be recommended for in-ground contact or in particularly harsh environments to extend its lifespan.
Blackbutt is classified as a Class 1 durability timber above ground and Class 2 in-ground, meaning it is highly durable and can last 40+ years above ground and 15–25 years in direct soil contact without treatment.In Australia, Blackbutt mainly refers to two native species:
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Coastal Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) – common along the NSW and southern Queensland coasts; pale colour, strong, and widely used.
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New England Blackbutt (Eucalyptus campanulata) – grows in higher, cooler parts of northern NSW and southern Queensland; slightly darker and denser.
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Blackbutt timber is moderately hard to work with due to its density and strength. While it machines well, it can be tough on tools like saw blades and cutters due to its hardness. It can also be challenging to nail and screw, often requiring pre-drilling to avoid splitting. However, with the right equipment and care, it finishes beautifully and holds its shape well over time.
Some common questions about Blackbutt Timber
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"The best friend on earth of man is the tree: When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources of the earth."
Frank Lloyd Wright
North Eden Timber
18 Sir William McKell Drive
Pambula
2549