Rose Gum

Eucalyptus grandis

Other names: Flooded gum

Distribution and Availability

Rose Gum is commonly found on coastal areas and sub-coastal ranges from Newcastle in New South Wales northwards to west of Daintree in Queensland, mainly on flat land and lower slopes.

General Description

Rose gum is a fast growing hardwood, and has heartwood that is pink to red-brown in colour, with paler sapwood. The timber can be moderately course and is predominantly straight grained. It may contain evidence of insect trails and pinholes that add to its character and beauty.

Physical & Mechanical Properties

The wood is hard and has good strength properties, in particular its high resistance to abrasion and wear. It also has good steam bending properties. It has a poor resistance to termites. Rose Gum experiences a large amount of shrinkage when drying, and a relatively large amount of movement in service

Working Properties

Rose gum is moderately easy to work with hand tools, and can be easily sanded and machines and turns well to deliver a smooth finish.

Durability

It has a range of general construction uses due to its class 2 above ground durability (15 to 40 years), although it is less durable in-ground (5-15 years). While its sapwood is not susceptible to lyctid borer, the timber is not termite resistant.

Main Uses

Rose Gum is mainly used for panelling, sawn building timber, flooring and joinery purposes. Its beautiful hues, in addition to ease in carving and turning makes it an ideal choice for has decorative applications in high quality furniture. Boats and structural plywood can also be built from this timber.

Other Information

Rose Gum can be finished with oil.