Tasmanian Oak

Scientific Name:
Eucalyptus delegatensis
Eucalyptus regnans
Eucalyptus obliqua

Other/Common Names and Species:
Australian Ash
Messmate Stringybark
Brown-Top Stringybark
Victorian Ash

The name Tasmanian Oak is used to identify three species of Eucalyptus tree generally found in Tasmania. Together they produce a combine of aesthetic coloring from pale cream to pink and reddish-brown. Tasmanian Oak is normally used for interior coverings like flooring, kitchen cupboards, wall paneling and furniture. Most sizes to 50mm thick and 200mm wide are readily available.

It has a uniform light beige to light pink colour and accepts stains and coatings. The available resource is not large, but what is being milled is from sustainable and managed forests.

Physical Properties:
Janka Dry Hardness: 4.9 to 7.1 kN
Dry Density: 620 to 780 kg/m³
These attributes are only a guide, as timber is a natural product there will be variations within any species.The Janka Dry Hardness rating measures the hardness of the wood. The higher the rating the harder the wood.

Use:
Tasmanian oak’s uses Flooring, Joinery, and Furniture. Such as ceiling and wall lining, door jambs, custom mouldings, cabinetry, paneling, rough construction, sub-flooring and tables.

General Characteristics:
Tasmanian oak does not have a natural resistance to decay, and lacks any noticable odor. These timbers are straight grained with moderately prominent growth rings and of medium hardness.

Working properties:
Tasmanian oak responds well to cutting tools, Both nails and glue holds well. This species accepts stain well and works to a good polish. Pre-drilling near edges is recommended to avoid splitting. Commercial glues are readily accepted. Dusting these timber is not regarded as causing severe allergic effects, however, every care should be taken to avoid inhaling any wood dust.

Generally, the provision of efficient dust extraction equipment and attention to personal cleanliness will solve most problems of irritation.

Drying and shrinkage:
Our recommended kiln dried is to a range varying from 10% to 15% (Averaging 12.5%) moisture content, however, this will vary according to the local equilibrium moisture content before installation and final sealing.

With the shrinkage (Green to 12% mc), Tangetial 8.9% and Radial 4.4% these wood are very prone to shrinkage and distortion.

Durability:
Basic Density of Delegatensis and Regnans is 30lb/cu.ft and Oblqua is 41lb/cu.ft. Both sapwood and heartwood in these timber is non durable, it only stable at 12% mc. Tasmanian oak requires some care to dry properly as checking can occur.

Index you maybe interesting in reading: Janka Hardness Hardwood Floor Scale

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