Everything You Need To Know About Blackbutt Timber

Blackbutt timber is a versatile and attractive hardwood that could be perfect for your next project. Find out everything you need to know about Blackbutt timber flooring and whether it’s the right choice for you.

How easy is Blackbutt timber to work with?

In general, Blackbutt timber is easy to work with. It is accepting of stains, oils and polishes and it is known to machine well and cause minimal problems. Due to having an increased level of extractives, the mature timber can cause issues with some adhesives, and has been known to cause staining on outdoor painted surfaces.

How to clean Blackbutt timber floors?

An advantage of Blackbutt flooring is that it is very easy to keep clean. However as with any timber floor, regular maintenance will ensure a lifetime of beauty. For daily cleaning, methods such as vacuuming and sweeping and recommended. A well-rung mop and a pH neutral cleaner can also be used to remove more stubborn dirt if needed. Do not clean Blackbutt timber flooring with steam mops, and abstain from using abrasive brushes, steel wool, soap detergents or ammonia based cleaners.

How long does it take to grow Blackbutt timber?

Blackbutt is a fast growing tree and is commonly used for this reason. A highly regarded species, the quick-growing nature of the tree means regeneration is somewhat easier than other species. These, amongst other reasons, have made Blackbutt one of the most popular choices of timber as a building material in Australia.

How old do Blackbutt trees get?

When undisturbed, Blackbutt trees have been known to live in excess of 200 years. They can also grow up to 40 metres or more in height, with a long straight cylindrical trunk and can measure up to 3 metres in diameter.

How to tell the age of a Blackbutt tree?

As growth rates vary during the life of a tree, accompanied with deformities and possible swelling, it is often difficult to get a precise age without having large margins of error.

Is Blackbutt a hardwood or softwood?

Blackbutt is a very dense hardwood, with a Janka (or hardness) rating of 9.1. Because of it’s durable and strong nature, this hardwood is commonly used for structural and exterior applications. Common applications include Blackbutt flooring, Blackbutt timber cladding and more.

Is Blackbutt class 1 durable?

When above ground, Blackbutt timber has a class 1 durability rating. This durability rating relates to the natural ability of the heartwood of that species to resist decay and pests. Class 1 represents the highest durability rating, meaning that the timber is projected to last 50 years in a protected, above ground area and 25 years when in the ground.

Because of the durable nature of this versatile, attractive hardwood, Blackbutt is often used in structural, exterior and interior applications.

Is Blackbutt timber suitable for beds?

Versatility and strength makes Blackbutt timber cladding or timber framing a good choice in home construction. Blackbutt has a hardness rating of 9.1 and is naturally resistant to termites due to its high density. As Blackbutt is extremely versatile, it can be used for many applications, including furniture and bed frames.

Is the Blackbutt tree only found in Australia?

Blackbutt is native to south-eastern Australia. More specifically Blackbutt grows in the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland. Economically, Blackbutt is one of Australia’s most important hardwoods due to it’s durable and versatile usage.

What do they make out of the WA Blackbutt tree?

In Western-Australia the WA Blackbutt is generally off limits for production purposes unless it has been salvaged or cultivated. The grain is interlocked, making it difficult to work with this species of timber. Availability is limited, because a large part of the resource is now conserved in stream reserves. The timber is available in small quantities in Western Australia.

What is Blackbutt timber used for?

As Blackbutt is a durable and versatile timber, it is commonly used for timber framing, cladding, internal and external flooring, decking, joinery, landscaping, furniture and structural applications. It can be dressed all round for a sleek and smooth appearance, but ultimately the opportunities are endless when it comes to using Blackbutt timber. Ultimately, the opportunities when it comes to using Blackbutt timber, are endless.

Where do Blackbutt trees grow?

Australian Blackbutt timber is predominantly grown on the north coast of New South Wales and the southern coast of Queensland. Blackbutt has proven durability in harsh Australian conditions and is the ideal choice for use in areas prone to bushfire. It is one of seven hardwood timber species approved by the Building Commission in Victoria for home construction in bushfire areas.

Which glue to use on Blackbutt hardwood miters?

Due to the high extractives, the mature Blackbutt wood may encounter problems when being glued. A premium wood glue such as Titebond III gives a strong initial tack and sands easily without softening, making it ideal for interior and external jobs.

Why do Blackbutts Trees release chemicals into the soil?

Blackbutts release chemicals into the soil as it inhibits germination of seedlings close to parent plant. The Eucalyptus tree uses these allelochemicals to prevent plant competition between the plants.

Why is the Blackbutt a good ecosystem?

Blackbutt provides a good ecosystem as it forms an important element of the canopy of several endangered communities, including blue gum high forest, Illawarra lowlands, bangalay sand forest, and grassy woodland.

Why is Blackbutt called Blackbutt?

Blackbutt gets its name from the rough bark at the base of the tree, often charred black from past bush fires.

Can dogs scratch Blackbutt timber?

As a class 1 hardwood, Blackbutt has proven itself as a durable timber hardwood, allowing it to remain protected against scratches and markings from pets. However, to help further protect Blackbutt timber flooring it is important to keep nails regularly trimmed, place mats under food bowls and entrances, and keep toys in a separate room that can withstand more damage.