Jarrah
Timber Species Guide
Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata)
Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is a slow-growing hardwood that produces tall, straight trees with fibrous, stringy bark. Its timber is known for its striking red tones and coarse, straight grain. The heartwood ranges from rich reds and browns to burgundy, while the sapwood is paler and sometimes pinkish.
Jarrah is used extensively in heavy engineering, structural framing, flooring, decking, furniture, veneer, and marine applications due to its strength, longevity, and workability. It holds up well under pressure, ages gracefully, and polishes beautifully.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Eucalyptus marginata
- Common Name: Jarrah
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Origin: Southwest Western Australia
- Density (air-dry): Approx. 820 kg/m³
- Janka Hardness: Approx. 8.5 kN
- Durability (above ground): Class 2
- Durability (in ground): Class 2
- Fire Resistance: BAL 12.5–19 compliant
- Termite Resistance: High natural resistance
- Marine Borer Resistance: High resistance
- Grain & Texture: Straight to interlocked; medium–coarse texture; occasional fiddleback
- Colour: Rich reds, browns, mahogany (heartwood); pale yellow–orange (sapwood)
- Workability: Challenging due to density and interlocked grain; finishes well
- Common Uses: Flooring, decking, furniture, staircases, cladding, bridges, marine uses
Jarrah Timber Sample
Colour & Grain
The heartwood of Jarrah varies from deep reds to burgundy and dark browns, often darkening further over time with exposure to light and air. The sapwood is much lighter, ranging from pale yellow to light orange, creating a striking contrast. Jarrah’s rich tones add depth and warmth to interiors and are a key reason for its popularity in flooring and feature joinery.
Jarrah typically has a straight grain with a moderately coarse, even texture. Some boards may show interlocked or wavy grain, which can produce a fiddleback figure. Occasional gum veins and grain variation enhance its natural character, particularly when used in wide-board flooring or bespoke furniture.
Region of Growth for Brush Box
Jarrah is native to the southwest of Western Australia, found between Perth and Albany. It thrives on well-drained, lateritic soils and grows in a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. Adapted to fire-prone environments, Jarrah trees can regenerate from lignotuber root structures following bushfires, making them both hardy and ecologically important.
Density & Hardness
Jarrah is a dense hardwood, with an average air-dry density of approximately 820–835 kg/m³. This density contributes significantly to its strength, wear resistance, and overall durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty and long-lasting construction applications.
Jarrah is known for its strength and resilience. It has a Janka hardness rating of approximately 8.5 kN and falls into Strength Group S2 (unseasoned) and SD2 (seasoned). It has excellent resistance to wear, indentation, fire, termites, and decay, making it a go-to material for outdoor decking, structural framing, bridges, and marine use.
Product Options with Brushbox
Jarrah is a world-renowned hardwood from Western Australia, prized for its deep red to mahogany hues, exceptional durability, and high density. It suits both structural and decorative uses, ranging from heavy construction, decking, and flooring to premium furniture and veneer. Jarrah naturally resists decay, termites, fire, and marine borer attack.
For the complete current list of available products made from Jarrah please reach out to our team.
Common Questions - Jarrah Timber
Is Jarrah timber good for flooring?
Yes. Jarrah is highly suitable for flooring thanks to its density, hardness, and long-term durability. Its warm red tones and resistance to wear make it a popular choice in both homes and commercial settings.
How durable is Jarrah for outdoor use?
Jarrah performs exceptionally well in outdoor environments. It is naturally resistant to decay, termites, fire, and marine borers, making it a preferred timber for decking, pergolas, cladding, and marine structures.
Where is Jarrah timber sourced from?
Jarrah grows naturally in the south-west corner of Western Australia. It is found in forests stretching from Gingin to Albany and is particularly adapted to the region’s Mediterranean climate and iron-rich soils.
Is Jarrah termite-resistant?
Yes. Jarrah has a high natural resistance to termites, making it a strong and reliable choice for both internal and external applications in termite-prone areas.
Will Jarrah change colour over time?
Yes. Jarrah darkens slightly with age and exposure to sunlight, developing deeper, more refined tones. Finishing products can also influence the final colour outcome, enhancing its rich aesthetic.
How does Jarrah compare to other Australian hardwoods like Blackbutt or Spotted Gum?
Jarrah is slightly less dense than Blackbutt but still extremely durable and hard. It offers richer colour tones and greater natural resistance to decay, fire, and marine borers, making it a standout for outdoor and premium interior applications.
What finishes suit Jarrah flooring?
Jarrah responds well to oil-based finishes, which enhance its natural colour. Water-based finishes may slightly lighten the appearance. Either way, the timber polishes well and retains a smooth, refined look.
Is Jarrah a sustainable timber choice?
While native logging of Jarrah has ceased in some areas, it is increasingly available through recycled and reclaimed timber sources, making it a more sustainable choice when sourced responsibly.