Tel: (02) 6495 7877
Density - 850kg/m3
Hardness - Hard, Janka rating 9.7 kN
Durability Above ground - 15- 40 years
Durability In ground - 5-15 years
Not termite-resistant
BAL29
Readily available
Australian Silver-top Ash Timber
Silvertop Ash is an Australian hardwood known for its moderate durability and good fire resistance. It grows in the southern and central coast and tablelands of New South Wales, eastern Victoria, and north eastern Tasmania, earning the name "coast ash" due to its prevalence in coastal areas of the cooler eastern states. With a medium texture and interlocked grain, Silvertop Ash features distinct growth rings, brown to pinkish heartwood, and narrow sapwood. Suitable for home construction in bushfire-prone areas, Silvertop ash is primarily used for general construction but is also valued for flooring, furniture, joinery and cladding.
What are the benefits of using Silver-Top Ash Timber in Building and Construction?
Sustainably sourced
Sourced from certified Australian forests, Silvertop Ash supports environmentally responsible building practices.
Workability
It machines well, takes stains and coatings effectively, and can be nailed or screwed with ease, making it a favorite among builders.
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Bushfire rated
It is BAL-29 rated, meaning it can be used in bushfire-prone areas up to Bushfire Attack Level 29 without additional treatment.
Versatile
It’s suitable for a wide range of uses: flooring, cladding, decking, screening, framing, and even joinery.
Silver-Top Ash Properties
Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi) grows naturally in the southeastern regions of Australia, particularly in:
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New South Wales (NSW) – Especially along the coastal ranges and tablelands, including the South Coast and Southern Highlands
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Victoria – Predominantly in the eastern ranges and Gippsland region, where it thrives in cooler, high rainfall areas
Silvertop Ash is typically found in open forests on well-drained, nutrient-poor soils and is adapted to elevated or mountainous terrain. Unlike ironbark species, Silvertop Ash has a fibrous greyish bark and prefers cooler, moister conditions.
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The density of Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi) is:
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Approximately 850 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic metre) at 12% moisture content
This places it in the high-density hardwood category, making it strong and durable—ideal for structural applications, decking, cladding, and bushfire-prone areas (BAL-29 rated).
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The hardness of Silvertop Ash is:
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Janka hardness: approximately 8.5 kN
This rating measures resistance to denting and wear, placing Silvertop Ash in the medium to high hardness range for Australian hardwoods. It’s suitable for flooring, decking, and other applications where surface durability matters.
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Silvertop Ash is classified as:
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Durability Class 2 (above ground)
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Durability Class 3 (in ground contact)
This means it has high natural durability when used above ground — making it suitable for external cladding, decking, screening, and other exposed applications. However, it is less durable when used in direct contact with the ground, so in-ground applications should include proper treatment or protective measures.
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Silvertop Ash has moderate natural resistance to termites.
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It is not termite-proof, but it does offer some resistance, especially compared to softer or less durable timbers.
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Not susceptible: This timber is not susceptible to lyctid borer attack.
Silvertop Ash is rated to:
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BAL-29 under the Bushfire Attack Level rating system (AS 3959)
This means it is suitable for use in areas prone to moderate to high bushfire risk, without the need for additional fire-retardant treatment. BAL-29-rated timbers can be used for decking, cladding, screening, and other external applications in bushfire-prone zones.
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Typical uses of Silvertop Ash include a wide range of structural and decorative applications, especially in outdoor and bushfire-prone environments. Common uses are:
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Cladding – Popular for external walling due to its natural durability and BAL-29 fire rating
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Decking – Suitable for outdoor decks where strength and weather resistance are needed
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Screening and Fencing – Offers a stylish and resilient option for privacy and boundary screens
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Flooring – Used internally for its attractive grain and moderate hardness
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Framing and Structural Timber – Used in building where durability and bushfire compliance are important
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Pergolas and Verandas – Ideal for outdoor structures exposed to the elements
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Joinery and Furniture – Occasionally used where a rustic or natural appearance is desired
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Colour variations in Silver-Top Ash Timber
Silvertop Ash displays a distinctive and appealing range of colour variations that enhance its natural charm and versatility in design. The heartwood typically ranges from pale brown to light yellow-brown, often complemented by subtle pinkish or olive hues. These soft tones are sometimes interspersed with characteristic features such as gum veins, insect markings, or light streaks, adding a unique, rustic appeal to each piece. Over time, when exposed to the elements, the timber may weather to a silvery-grey patina if left untreated, which is highly sought after in coastal and contemporary outdoor settings. This ability to develop character while retaining structural integrity makes Silvertop Ash a popular choice for both modern and traditional architectural applications.
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Some of our Silver-Top Ash Timber produts
Get The Silver-Top Ash Look
Add contemporary charm with the soft, pale tones and subtle gum vein features of Silvertop Ash timber. Its light, clean appearance pairs beautifully with modern and coastal designs. At North Eden Timber, we offer premium Silvertop Ash for flooring, cladding, and structural projects — perfect for a sleek, natural Australian finish
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Silvertop Ash is a durable Australian hardwood timber, scientifically known as Eucalyptus sieberi. It’s native to the southeastern parts of Australia, particularly found in coastal and mountainous regions of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Silver-top Ash is a durable Australian hardwood used for decking, cladding, flooring, and structural applications, especially in bushfire-prone areas.
Yes, Silver-top Ash is suitable for bushfire-prone areas. It has a BAL-29 (Bushfire Attack Level) rating under the Australian Standard AS 3959, which means it can be used in areas classified up to BAL-29 without additional fire protection treatments.
Silver-top Ash is naturally durable and doesn’t require treatment for most above-ground uses like decking or cladding, but treatment is recommended for in-ground applications to extend its lifespan.
Silver-top Ash is a durable hardwood, rated Class 2 for above-ground use, meaning it has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years or more without treatment in exposed conditions. It's suitable for outdoor use and moderately resistant to decay and termites.
Silver-top Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi) is its own species within the Eucalyptus genus. It is a native Australian hardwood species found primarily in the southeastern regions of the country, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Silver-top Ash is moderately difficult to work with due to its dense and sometimes interlocked grain. While it’s generally easier to machine than some other hardwoods, it can cause tool wear due to its hardness, with a Janka rating of around 8.5 kN (medium hardness).
Some common questions about Silver-Top Ash 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