Blackbutt

Eucalyptus pilularis
Other names: Coastal blackbutt, Pink Blackbutt

Distribution and Availability

A common and dominant tree of the family Myrtaceae native to southeastern Australia. Widely available thanks to its popularity as a plantation timber.

General Description

The sapwood is a light pale straw in appearance, with gum veins often visible. The heartwood ranges from golden yellow to pale brown, occasionally a slight pinkish colour can be sourced.

Physical & Mechanical Properties
The wood is hard and heavy with good strength properties, in particular its high resistance to abrasion and wear. It also has good steam bending properties.

Working Properties

Blackbutt is prone to surface checking, and as such on the tangential surface and as such should not be reconditioned as this will widen any surface checks. It can be stained, painted or polished but there can be issues with painting due to the surface checking. Blackbutt machines well but does not react well to steam bending.

Durability

Blackbutt is strong and durable, making it ideal for a range of structural, exterior and interior applications including framework, decking, flooring and poles.

Blackbutt has been declared suitable by the Building Commission in Victoria for home construction in bushfire areas thanks to it’s good fire resistance.

Main Uses

Blackbutt is a versatile timber, and is used for structural, exterior and interior applications. A popular framing choice, it’s also found in cladding, internal and external flooring, decking, joinery, landscaping and furniture applications. Blackbutt is also used in the manufacture of plywood.

Other Information

Like all timber products, the character of the wood is define by inclusions. Keep in mind that Blackbutt can be prone to gum veins and pockets.