How to Choose the Right Timber for Bushfire Zones (BAL Ratings Explained)

Building in a Bushfire-Prone Area

If you are building or renovating in a bushfire-prone region across the south-eastern states including areas of New South Wales Victoria and the ACT choosing the right timber is essential for safety durability and compliance. Selecting materials that meet your site Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating ensures your home is built to Australian standards and will perform reliably under harsh fire conditions.

This guide explains what BAL ratings mean and outlines the best Australian hardwood options suitable for BAL-29 which is one of the most common requirements for coastal rural and country building approvals throughout these regions.

What is a BAL Rating

BAL stands for Bushfire Attack Level as defined under Australian Standard AS 3959. It measures expected bushfire exposure on a site and determines what construction materials can be used.

BAL Category	Risk Level
BAL-Low	Very low exposure
BAL-12.5	Low exposure ember attack
BAL-19	Moderate heat
BAL-29	High radiant heat
BAL-40	Very high heat and some direct flame
BAL-FZ	Flame Zone extreme direct flame

Best Australian Hardwood Options for BAL-29

Many native Australian hardwoods are naturally dense strong and fire resistant making them ideal for BAL-29 construction across regional areas of NSW Victoria and the ACT. These species are widely chosen for bushfire-rated timber applications including decking, cladding, screening, flooring and outdoor structural elements where superior durability and fire performance are required.

Recommended BAL-29 hardwood species

• Spotted Gum

• Blackbutt

• Silvertop Ash

• Red Ironbark

  
  

Common BAL-29 applications

• Hardwood decking and stairs

• Timber cladding and architectural screening

• Posts beams and outdoor structural elements

• Entertaining areas pergolas and garden architecture

• Feature façade design and external batten features

These hardwoods deliver long-term durability natural fire resistance and a premium architectural finish suited to modern Australian home design.

A Quick Note on BAL-40

In BAL-40 zones the requirements are much stricter. Solid timber generally cannot be used externally for decking cladding or exposed structure. Materials must be non-combustible or part of a verified fire-rated system. Timber may still be used internally or as decorative battens over compliant substrates.

Always confirm requirements with your BAL report and building certifier.

Why Choose Australian Hardwood

• Naturally fire resistant due to high density

• Long-lasting and structurally strong

• Sustainable and locally sourced

• Beautiful natural appearance with unique timber character

Builders architects and homeowners across NSW VIC and the ACT choose species such as Spotted Gum Blackbutt, Silvertop Ash and Ironbark for safe durable and visually striking results.

Your Trusted Supplier of BAL Rated Hardwood Timber

North Eden Timber is your hardwood timber supplier for NSW Victoria and the ACT delivering high-quality BAL-29 compliant hardwood decking cladding screening and flooring products Australia wide. We supply Spotted Gum Blackbutt, Silvertop Ash and Red Ironbark with delivery available to:

• Sydney and greater NSW

• Melbourne and regional Victoria

• Canberra and surrounding ACT areas

• Coastal regional and bushfire-prone communities nationwide

Whether you are a homeowner builder or architect we can help you choose the right hardwood for compliant bushfire-rated construction.