Tallowwood
Timber Species Guide
Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys)
Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys) is one of Australia’s most durable and distinctive native hardwoods, well-regarded for its exceptional performance in both internal and external applications. Named for the greasy feel of its freshly cut wood, Tallowwood is valued for its high natural oil content, which provides inherent resistance to decay and insect attack. Its colour, ranging from pale to dark yellowish-brown with occasional olive or pinkish hues, combines with a straight to interlocked grain and fine, even texture to produce a timber that is both visually striking and structurally reliable.
Ideal for timber flooring, decking, cladding, and heavy structural applications, Tallowwood is a hallmark of enduring Australian architecture.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Eucalyptus microcorys
- Common Name: Tallowwood
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Density (12% MC): Approx. 990 kg/m³
- Strength Group: S2 (unseasoned), SD2 (seasoned)
- Stress Grades: Up to F27 (seasoned)
- Janka Hardness: Approx. 8.6 kN
- Durability (above ground): Class 1
- Durability (in ground): Class 1
- Termite Resistance: Resistant
- Lyctus Borer Susceptibility: Sapwood not susceptible
- Shrinkage (T / R): 5.3% (tangential), 3.1% (radial)
- Grain: Straight to interlocked, sometimes wavy
- Texture: Fine and even
- Colour: Pale yellow-brown to olive-brown, occasional pinkish tinge
- Workability: Good; machines well with care
- Finishing: Finishes smoothly with oils or clear coats
- Seasoning: Requires careful drying to minimise checking
- Common Uses: Decking, cladding, flooring, heavy structural beams, posts, poles
Colour & Grain
Tallowwood’s heartwood ranges from pale yellow-brown to dark olive-brown, sometimes exhibiting pinkish tinges. Its sapwood is generally narrow and lighter in colour, often indistinct from the heartwood. The warm, earthy tones of Tallowwood give it a unique appearance compared to other Australian hardwoods, making it a distinctive choice for design projects requiring natural character.
Tallowwood typically has a straight grain, but it can also exhibit interlocked or wavy patterns, adding subtle visual texture. The fine and even texture allows for smooth machining and an attractive finish. Occasional gum veins and other natural features can add character without compromising performance.
Region of Growth for Tallowwood
Tallowwood grows naturally along the coastal regions of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, where it thrives in well-drained soils of lowland and coastal forests. It is often found in association with other durable Australian hardwoods, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these forests. Sustainable harvesting of Tallowwood provides a reliable supply for Australia’s hardwood markets.
Density & Hardness
Tallowwood is a high-density hardwood, with an air-dry density of around 990 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content. Its density contributes to impressive strength, impact resistance, and stability, making it suitable for both heavy-duty structural uses and high-wear surfaces like floors.
Tallowwood is classified in Strength Group S2 (unseasoned) and SD2 (seasoned), achieving stress grades up to F27 when seasoned. Its Janka hardness of approximately 8.6 kN makes it a robust and durable timber choice, particularly for external decking, high-traffic flooring, and structural applications requiring superior strength.
Product Options with Tallowwood
Tallowwood is a premium Australian hardwood renowned for its natural durability, strength, and distinct yellowish-brown colour. Native to coastal regions of New South Wales and southern Queensland, Tallowwood offers outstanding performance in demanding outdoor and structural applications. Its attractive grain and natural resistance to decay and termites make it a favourite for decking, cladding, and heavy-duty flooring.
For the complete current list of available products made from Tallowwood please reach out to our team.
Common Questions - Tallowwood Timber
What makes Tallowwood timber stand out among Australian hardwoods?
Tallowwood is naturally oily, giving it exceptional durability, natural resistance to termites and decay, and a unique warm yellow-brown colour that sets it apart from other Australian timbers.
Is Tallowwood suitable for timber flooring?
Yes. Tallowwood’s hardness (approx. 8.6 kN) and fine texture make it a great option for high-traffic flooring, offering durability and distinctive colouring that matures beautifully over time.
Where does Tallowwood grow naturally?
Tallowwood grows along coastal and subcoastal forests of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, often in fertile, well-drained soils.
Is Tallowwood good for outdoor use?
Absolutely. With a Class 1 durability rating both above and in ground, Tallowwood excels in external applications like decking, cladding, and exposed structural beams, even in harsh environments.
How does Tallowwood timber’s colour compare to other Australian hardwoods?
Unlike many darker Australian hardwoods, Tallowwood has warm, yellowish-brown tones with olive or pinkish highlights, offering a lighter, more distinctive aesthetic.
Does Tallowwood timber change colour over time?
Yes. Tallowwood will deepen slightly with age, developing a richer, warmer tone when exposed to light and air, adding character to decks, floors, and cladding.
Is Tallowwood easy to work with?
Tallowwood machines well with sharp tools and finishes to a smooth surface. However, its natural oils can affect some adhesives and finishes, so compatibility should be tested.
What finishes are recommended for Tallowwood timber flooring?
Due to its density, Tallowwood 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.