Tel: (02) 6495 7877
Density - 800–900 kg/m³
Hardness - Very Hard, Janka rating 10.6Kn
Durability above ground - Class 1 / 40 years +
Durability inground - Class 1 / 25 years Naturally termite-resistant
BAL 19
Readily available
Australian Red Gum Timber
Forest red gum features rich red heartwood with pale sapwood and a moderately coarse, interlocked grain. At North Eden Timber, it’s valued for its strength, striking appearance, and long-lasting performance, making it ideal for premium decking, distinctive cladding, and statement benchtops. Naturally durable and resistant to decay, it offers over 25 years of service in harsh outdoor conditions without treatment. The sapwood accepts preservatives while the heartwood resists, and its surface takes paint or stain well, allowing a range of finishes to suit architectural projects.
What Are the benefits of using Forest Red Gum Timber in Building and Construction?
Durable
Forest Red Gum is a Class 1 hardwood for both above and in-ground durability, making it ideal for outdoor structures like decking, posts, and sleepers.
Strong and stable
Its dense and strong timber properties provide excellent load-bearing capacity, suitable for heavy construction such as bridge components, wharf decking, and structural framing.
Termite Resistant
Naturally resistant to termites and lyctid borers, it offers long-lasting performance without the need for extensive chemical treatments.
Versatile
Forest Red Gum is suitable for a wide range of uses—from heavy engineering and structural applications to fine furniture and flooring—making it a flexible choice for builders and designers alike.
Forest Red Gum Properties
Forest Red Gum trees (Eucalyptus tereticornis) grow naturally in:
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New South Wales (NSW) – Primarily along the coastal and inland river valleys.
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Queensland – Found in coastal and riverine areas, particularly in the central and northern regions.
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Victoria – Occurs in the northern and central parts of the state, often near river systems.
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Forest Red Gum timber has a density of around 800–900 kg/m³ when air-dried, making it a moderately dense hardwood
The Janka hardness of Forest Red Gum timber is around 10.6 kN (kilonewtons), making it a hardwood with good resistance to wear, dents, and scratches.
Forest Red Gum timber is classified as Durability Class 1, meaning it has high natural resistance to decay and is suitable for use in above-ground and in ground applications.
Forest Red Gum has moderate resistance to termites. While it offers some protection against termite attacks, it is not as naturally resistant as harder timbers like Ironbark or Spotted Gum.
Not susceptible: This timber is not susceptible to lyctid borer attack.
Forest Red Gum timber has a fire resistance rating of BAL 19 (Bushfire Attack Level 19), which means it offers a moderate level of fire resistance. It can be used in bushfire-prone areas but may require additional treatments or coatings for higher levels of protection in more extreme conditions.
Red Gum timber, like Ironbark, is also highly regarded for its strength and durability. Here are some typical uses of Red Gum timber:
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Decking – Popular for outdoor areas due to its resistance to wear and weather.
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Flooring – Known for its attractive appearance and durability, often used in high-traffic areas.
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Posts and beams – Used in structural applications, offering solid support.
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Cladding and screening – Ideal for exterior applications, giving a natural, rustic look.
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Bridges and wharf construction – Often used in infrastructure due to its resilience in wet conditions.
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Railway sleepers – Its toughness makes it ideal for railway applications.
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Fencing and landscaping – Great for creating long-lasting garden structures and fences.
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Colour variations in Forest red Gum Timber
Forest Red Gum is distinguished by its rich palette of colours, with heartwood ranging from deep red to softer pinkish hues, contrasted by a narrow band of pale, almost white sapwood. The timber's texture is moderately coarse yet even, and its grain is typically straight, though it can occasionally exhibit a wavy or interlocked pattern, adding visual depth and interest
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Some of our products in Forest Red Gum Timber
Get The Forest Red Gum Timber Look
Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with the rich, reddish tones of Forest Red Gum timber. Renowned for its strength and striking colour, it adds depth and classic Australian character to any design. At North Eden Timber, we supply quality Forest Red Gum for flooring, cladding, and structural use — perfect for timeless, durable style.
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Some common questions about Forest Red Gum Timber
Forest Red Gum timber comes from the Eucalyptus tereticornis species, a hardwood native to eastern Australia. It is known for its high durability, attractive reddish-brown heartwood, and versatile structural and aesthetic uses.
Main Uses of Forest Red Gum Timber:
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Decking & Flooring – Durable and visually striking.
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Posts & Beams – Strong for structural applications.
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Cladding & Screening – Rustic, weather-resistant finish.
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Railway Sleepers & Bridges – Ideal for heavy-duty infrastructure.
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Fencing & Landscaping – Long-lasting in outdoor settings.
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Yes, Forest Red Gum is suitable for bushfire-prone areas. It is rated BAL-29 under the Australian Standard AS 3959, which means it can be used in areas with a moderate to high bushfire risk.
Forest Red Gum timber does not generally need to be treated before use, especially for above-ground or indoor applications, because it is a naturally durable hardwood with high resistance to termites and decay.
Forest Red Gum is a highly durable hardwood, rated Class 1 above ground and Class 2 in ground, offering excellent resistance to decay, termites, and weathering.
Forest Red Gum refers to a single species, Eucalyptus tereticornis,
Red Gum is a strong, dense hardwood that is rewarding to work with when using the right techniques. Sharp, high-quality tools, steady feed rates, and care during cutting, drilling, or sanding will ensure clean finishes and precise results, making it ideal for quality craftsmanship.
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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