Spotted Gum
Timber Species Guide
Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata)
Spotted Gum (also includes C. citriodora & C. henryi depending on regional species variations) refers to a group of closely related eucalypts including Corymbia maculata, known for their distinctive spotted, mottled trunks that shed in patches. The timber is dense, tough, and highly durable, making it one of Australia’s best hardwoods for both structural and appearance-grade uses. It features a stunning range of natural colours, from pale grey-browns to rich chocolates, with a unique wavy grain that enhances its visual appeal.
QLD Spotted Gum and NSW Spotted Gum is sought after for flooring, decking, cladding, structural framing, and fine furniture, offering an exceptional balance of beauty and performance.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Corymbia maculata (also includes C. citriodora & C. henryi)
- Common Name: Spotted Gum
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Density: Approx. 950 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content
- Strength Group: S2 (unseasoned), SD2 (seasoned)
- Stress Grades: Up to F27 (seasoned)
- Janka Hardness: Approx. 11.0 kN
- Durability Class: Class 1 (above ground), Class 2 (in ground)
- Termite Resistance: Resistant
- Lyctus Borer Susceptibility: Sapwood susceptible, treatable
- Shrinkage: Tangential – 6.1%; Radial – 3.3%
- Grain: Wavy or interlocked, occasional fiddleback
- Texture: Moderately coarse but even
- Colour: Pale grey-brown to dark chocolate brown
- Workability: Machines well with sharp tools
- Finishing: Excellent; polishes and stains beautifully
- Seasoning: Seasons well with some tendency to surface check
- Common Uses: Flooring, decking, cladding, structural framing, joinery, furniture
Colour & Grain
Spotted Gum timber offers one of the most striking natural colour variations among Australian hardwoods. Its heartwood can range from pale greys, light browns, and soft creams through to deep chocolate browns with occasional olive or red-brown hues. The sapwood is generally white to light brown, clearly distinguishable from the darker heartwood. This dynamic palette makes every Spotted Gum floor or deck unique.
Spotted Gum’s grain is typically wavy or interlocked, giving the timber a lively, textured appearance. Its grain can occasionally display fiddleback figure, adding depth and visual interest. The texture is moderately coarse but even, and the timber polishes well for high-end finishes.
Region of Growth for Spotted Gum
Spotted Gum grows naturally in open forests along the eastern coast of Australia, from Victoria through New South Wales into Queensland. It thrives in well-drained soils on coastal ranges and foothills, often forming large, productive stands. Its wide distribution and sustainable management make it a major resource in Australia’s native hardwood supply.
Density & Hardness
Spotted Gum is a high-density hardwood, with an air-dry density of approximately 950 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content. Its density provides excellent strength, impact resistance, and durability, key to its popularity in flooring and outdoor applications.
Spotted Gum is rated in Strength Group S2 (unseasoned) and SD2 (seasoned), offering outstanding structural performance. It achieves stress grades up to F27 when seasoned. Its Janka hardness rating of around 11.0 kN makes it exceptionally resistant to wear, ideal for high-traffic flooring and heavy-use outdoor structures.
Product Options with Spotted Gum
Spotted Gum, particularly NSW & QLD Spotted Gum, is an iconic Australian hardwood prized for its wavy grain, diverse colours, and exceptional durability. It is ideal for a range of uses from elegant floors to heavy-duty structural beams, making it also 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 Spotted Gum please reach out to our team.
Common Questions - Spotted Gum Timber
What makes Spotted Gum timber so popular in Australia?
Spotted Gum’s combination of strength, stunning natural colours, and attractive wavy grain make it a standout choice for everything from flooring to heavy structural applications.
Is Spotted Gum a good choice for timber flooring?
Yes. Its high density and 11.0 kN Janka hardness make it exceptionally hard-wearing and resistant to dents, perfect for high-traffic residential or commercial flooring.
Where does Spotted Gum grow in Australia?
Spotted Gum naturally occurs in open forests along the east coast, from Victoria to Queensland, thriving in coastal ranges and well-drained soils.
How does Spotted Gum timber’s colour vary?
Spotted Gum displays remarkable natural variation, ranging from pale greys and soft creams to rich browns and chocolates, often in the same board - giving floors and decks unique character. QLD and NSW Spotted Gum also show their unique colour tones.
Is Spotted Gum suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. With Class 1 above-ground durability and natural termite resistance, Spotted Gum is ideal for decking, verandas, posts, and other external applications.
Does Spotted Gum timber change colour over time?
Yes. Like most hardwoods, Spotted Gum will darken slightly and develop a richer patina with age and exposure to light, enhancing its natural beauty.
How does Spotted Gum compare to Blackbutt for flooring?
Both are popular, durable Australian hardwoods, but Spotted Gum offers more colour variation and wavier grain, whereas Blackbutt is lighter and more uniform in appearance.
What finishes work best on Spotted Gum floors?
Due to its density, Grey Ironbark responds well to penetrating oils, hardwax oils, or polyurethane finishes. These finishes enhance its rich colours and protect against wear while allowing the natural beauty of the timber to shine.