Tel: (02) 6495 7877
Density - 750 kg/m³
Hardness - Hard, Janka rating 5.5 kN
Durability Above Ground - Class 2/ 7-15 years
Durability In ground - 5 years
Not termite-resistant
BAL 12.5
Readily available
Australian Brown Barrel Timber
Brownbarrel is a large Australian hardwood found primarily in the north-east of Victoria, as well as the tableland districts and south coast areas of New South Wales. Its primary use is in general construction, though it is typically limited to applications protected from weather exposure due to its moderate durability. It is also employed for internal uses like flooring and lining boards and is great for gluing to make benchtops and work surfaces. The heartwood is pale brown, while the narrow sapwood is lighter and susceptible to lyctid borer attack. With a medium texture and a grain that can be straight or interlocked, Brownbarrel often contains gum veins.
What Are the benefits of using Brownbarrel Timber in Building and Construction?
Easy to Glue
Brownbarrel glues and finishes well, making it user-friendly for joinery and interior applications
Versatile
It's used in flooring, panelling, joinery, furniture, and structural framing, offering versatility for builders, designers, and manufacturers.
Sustainable
Sourced from sustainably managed native forests and plantations, Brown Barrel contributes to responsible forestry practices
Workability
It has a generally straight grain and even texture, making it relatively easy to machine, cut, and finish—ideal for both structural and appearance-grade uses.
Colour variations in Brown Barrel
Brown Barrel timber displays a range of warm, natural colour variations that add to its visual appeal. The heartwood typically ranges from pale brown to light reddish-brown, often with a subtle pink or golden hue. Its grain is generally straight and even, contributing to a clean, uniform look, though occasional gum veins or growth rings can add character. These natural tones make Brown Barrel a popular choice for interior flooring, joinery, and furniture, where a soft, earthy aesthetic is desired.
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Brown Barrel Properties
Brown Barrel (Eucalyptus fastigata) trees grow naturally in:
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New South Wales (NSW) – Primarily in the coastal ranges and tablelands.
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Victoria – Mainly in the central and eastern parts of the state.
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Queensland – In some coastal areas, particularly in the southeast.
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Brownbarrel has a dry density of around 750 kg/m³, placing it in the medium-to-high range for Australian hardwoods. This density gives the timber good strength and stability while still being workable for construction and joinery. Its balance of weight and durability makes it suitable for structural applications, flooring, and interior finishes where both strength and appearance are important.
The hardness of Brown Barrel timber is typically around 5.5 on the Janka scale, which makes it a relatively hard and durable wood.
Brown Barrel has low natural durability (Class 4) and is not suitable for external or in-ground use without treatment.
Brown Barrel (Eucalyptus fastigata) has low natural resistance to termites. It is not considered termite-resistant and therefore is not suitable for use in termite-prone areas unless properly treated or protected.
Susceptible: This timber is susceptible to attack by lyctid borer in the sapwood.
Brown Barrel (Eucalyptus fastigata) is not one of the preferred hardwood species for high bushfire resistance.
Typical uses of Brown Barrel include:
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Structural framing
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Interior flooring
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Joinery and panelling
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Furniture making
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Plywood and veneer
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Pallets and packaging
It’s best suited for indoor or protected applications due to low termite and fire resistance.
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Colour variations in Brown Barrel Timber
Get The Brownbarrel Timber Look
Bring natural warmth and understated elegance to your space with the Brown Barrel timber look. Featuring gentle brown tones and a smooth, straight grain, it suits both modern and classic designs. At North Eden Timber, we offer quality Brown Barrel for flooring, cladding, and structural applications — adding a subtle yet distinctive Australian touch
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Some common questions about Brown Barrel Timber
Brownbarrel timber is a strong Australian hardwood from Eucalyptus fastigata, found in NSW and Victoria. With a pale brown colour, medium hardness, and good workability, it's commonly used for flooring, framing, and interior joinery. Best suited to protected or internal applications.
The main uses for Brownbarrel timber include:
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Flooring – valued for its strength and attractive grain
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Framing – suitable for general construction in protected conditions
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Interior joinery – used for doors, trims, and cabinetry
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Furniture – ideal for solid and veneered furniture
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Plywood and veneers – often used in manufacturing due to its consistent grain
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General construction – where moderate durability is acceptable
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Brownbarrel timber is not specifically rated for bushfire-prone areas (i.e., it does not have a BAL rating like some other species, such as Silvertop Ash). While it has moderate natural durability (Class 3 above ground, Class 4 in-ground), it does not possess the same level of fire resistance or bushfire compliance as timbers like Ironbark or Spotted Gum.
Yes, Brownbarrel timber should be treated before use in exposed outdoor applications or in-ground situations. While it has moderate natural durability (Class 3 above ground and Class 4 in-ground), it’s still vulnerable to environmental factors like moisture, termites, and decay when not treated.
Brownbarrel timber has a moderate level of durability:
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Durability Class 3 (above ground)
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Durability Class 4 (in-ground contact)
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Brown Barrel is a versatile hardwood that is easy to work with, offering clean machining and a smooth finish. It glues up reliably, ensuring strong, seamless joints, which makes it an excellent choice for crafting durable, attractive benchtops that combine strength with natural beauty.
The term Brownbarrel generally refers to one specific species of eucalyptus, Eucalyptus fastigata.
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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