Brush Box
Timber Species Guide
Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus)
Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) is a striking Australian hardwood, valued for its consistent fine grain and warm, reddish-brown tones. The timber has a reputation for being dense and hard-wearing, which makes it especially suitable for flooring in high-traffic areas. Its subtle yet elegant appearance complements a range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary. Brush Box is also highly resistant to wear and indentation, enhancing its suitability for both commercial and residential installations.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Lophostemon confertus
- Common Name: Brush Box
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Density: Approx. 950 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content
- Strength Group: S2 (unseasoned), SD2 (seasoned)
- Stress Grades: F11 to F22 (unseasoned), F17 to F27 (seasoned)
- Janka Hardness: Approx. 9.5 kN
- Durability Class: Class 2 (above ground), Class 3 (in ground)
- Termite Resistance: Not resistant
- Lyctus Borer Susceptibility: Sapwood not susceptible
- Shrinkage: Tangential – 6.6%; Radial – 4.1%
- Grain: Fine, even, interlocked
- Texture: Smooth, uniform
- Colour: Pinkish grey-brown to reddish-brown
- Workability: Fair; cutting can be difficult due to density
- Finishing: Excellent; polishes to a high sheen
- Seasoning: Requires care; moderate tendency to surface check
- Common Uses: Flooring, staircases, joinery, furniture, cladding
Colour & Grain
Brush Box timber is admired for its rich colour range, which varies from pinkish grey-brown to reddish-brown. The sapwood is generally paler and distinct from the heartwood. The uniform, warm tones of Brush Box make it a favourite for creating sophisticated, luxurious interiors.
The grain of Brush Box is typically fine, even, and interlocked, producing a smooth surface that polishes exceptionally well. The consistent grain pattern enhances its visual appeal in polished flooring and high-end cabinetry. Occasional wavy grain or small gum veins may occur but add subtle character rather than detract from its beauty.
Region of Growth for Brush Box
Brush Box is native to the coastal and subcoastal rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests of eastern Australia. It grows from the central coast of New South Wales to northern Queensland. The species thrives in fertile, well-drained soils in warm, humid climates, often found along creek lines and valleys where moisture levels are high.
Density & Hardness
Brush Box is an exceptionally dense hardwood, with an air-dry density of around 950 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content. This high density contributes to its excellent resistance to wear and surface damage, ensuring longevity even in demanding applications like commercial flooring.
Brush Box is among the hardest Australian timbers, with a Janka hardness rating of approximately 9.5 kN. It is classified in Strength Group S2 (unseasoned) and SD2 (seasoned). This impressive hardness gives Brush Box exceptional durability, making it a standout choice for flooring, stair treads, and other applications where strength and abrasion resistance are critical.
Product Options with Brush box
Known for its strength, density, and attractive, fine-grained appearance Brush Box is a popular species in the Eastern Australian flooring market – therefore, its availability can change from time to time.
For the complete current list of available products made from Brush Box please reach out to our team.
Common Questions - Brush Box Timber
What makes Brush Box timber unique?
Brush Box stands out for its fine, interlocked grain, dense structure, and warm colour tones, which combine to produce a smooth, elegant finish suitable for premium flooring and joinery.
Is Brush Box timber suitable for flooring?
Absolutely. Brush Box’s high density and impressive Janka hardness make it exceptionally resistant to denting and wear, which is ideal for flooring in both residential and commercial spaces.
Where does Brush Box grow in Australia?
Brush Box is found in coastal and subcoastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales, often thriving in moist rainforest margins and along watercourses.
Does Brush Box timber change colour over time?
Yes. Like many hardwoods, Brush Box will deepen slightly in colour over time, developing a richer tone when exposed to light and air, adding character to floors and joinery.
How does Brush Box timber compare to another popular species like Blackbutt?
Like most natural timbers, Brush Box will deepen in colour slightly over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. It develops a warmer, honeyed tone that enhances its natural grain and appeal.
What finishes work well with Brush Box flooring?
While durable above ground, Brush Box is not recommended for in-ground use or fully exposed external applications. It is best suited to protected areas like covered verandas or internal applications.
What finishes work well with Brush Box flooring?
Brush Box accepts a range of finishes, including water-based polyurethanes, oils, and hardwax finishes. Its fine grain polishes to a high sheen, allowing you to achieve a luxurious, sophisticated floor surface.
Is Brush Box a hardword
Yes, Brush Box is an Australian native hardwood.