Gum, River Red

The timber of the iconic river red gum has a reputation for durability, strength and for its distinctive brilliant red colouring ranging from pink to almost black.

Other Names

Blue Gum, Red Gum, Murray River Gum, yarrow, Eucalyptus Rostrata

Botanical Name

Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Common Form
Sawn
Species Type
Hardwood
  • Overview

    • River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is an iconic Australian tree, yielding an equally iconic Australian timber. The timber has a reputation for durability, strength and its distinctive red colouring. Its wide availability has seen it used for a range of applications including heavy construction, railway sleepers, flooring, framing, fencing, plywood and veneer manufacture, wood turning, firewood and charcoal production. It was also commonly used as street paving throughout Sydney in the late 1800s.

    The river red gum has a widespread distribution around the Australian mainland, except southern Western Australia, south-western South Australia and the eastern coastal areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. In keeping with its name, this species is commonly found along the rivers. It can withstand submersion during floods for long periods. The hallmark of river red gum timber is its distinctive red appearance. The heartwood is red to reddish brown in colour with the timber's texture having some coarseness. The grain is commonly interlocked with frequent gum veins. The timber's charm is often best showcased in furniture; the spectacular deep red colour and the typical fiddle-back figure of river red gum timber make each piece of furniture unique. The heartwood of the river red gum displays considerable durability (class 2), allowing for a range of exterior applications, including heavy commercial construction, general framing, sleepers, flooring, panelling and joinery.  

    Shrinkage

    Very Low Low Medium High Very High
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    Tangential : Provides a simplified rating for tangential shrinkage. This is the measure of the percentage reduction in dimension from the unseasoned to 12% moisture content condition.
    8.90%

    Radial : Radial shrinkage is perpendicular to the growth rings. It is shrinkage in the direction towards the centre of the tree. Measurement is % value
    4.40%

    Unit Movement Tangential: This is the percentage of dimensional change for each 1% moisture content change between about 3% moisture content and the fibre saturation point for the particular species.
    0.31%

    Unit Movement Radial: This is the percentage of dimensional change for each 1% moisture content change between about 3% moisture content and the fibre saturation point for the particular species.
    0.22%

    Strength Group Strength groups are given for unseasoned (S1-S7) and seasoned (SD1-SD8) timber in accordance with AS 2878. S1 and SD1 yield the highest strength and stiffness whereas S7 and SD8 yield the lowest.

    Very High

    High

    Reasonably High

    Medium High

    Medium

    Reasonably Low

    Low

    Very Low

    Unseasoned:

    S1

    S2

    S3

    S4

    S5

    S6

    S7

    S8
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    Seasoned:

    SD1

    SD2

    SD3

    SD4

    SD5

    SD6

    SD7

    SD8
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    Stress Grade A stress grade is defined in AS 1720 as the classification of timber for structural purposes by means of either visual or machine grading. The stress grade indicates the basic working stresses and stiffnesses to be used for structural design purposes. Measured in MPa.

    Structural
    No. 1    		 Structural
    No. 2    		 Structural
    No. 3    		 Structural
    No. 4    		 Structural
    No. 5

    Unseasoned:

    F11

    F8

    F7

    F5

    F4

    Seasoned:

    F17

    F14

    F11

    F8

    F7

    Density per Standard Seasoned density is based on moisture content of 12%. Unseasoned density is an approximation as it depends on the moisture content at the time of measurement. Measured kg/m3.

    Seasoned:

    910kg/m3

    Unseasoned:

    1140kg/m3

    Joint Group The joint group is a classification of the strength of a species in joint design. The values are from 1 (very high strength) to 6 (very low strength).

    Very High

    High

    Reasonably High

    Medium

    Low

    Very Low

    Unseasoned:

    J1

    J2

    J3

    J4

    J5

    J6
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    Seasoned:

    JD1

    JD2

    JD3

    JD4

    JD5

    JD6
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    Colour The colour of seasoned heartwood can vary between species and often within a species. The information provided should be used as a general guide only. In most cases, the colour of sapwood is either a lighter shade of the heartwood or a white/cream colour.

      White, yellow, pale straw to light brown Pink to pink brown Light to dark red Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky
       
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    Mechanical Properties

    Modulus of Rupture - Unseasoned: This property is a measure of maximum stress which timber can momentarily sustain when loaded slowly and continuously as a beam. Measured in MPa.
    64

    Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: This property is a measure of maximum stress which timber can momentarily sustain when loaded slowly and continuously as a beam. Measured in MPa.
    101

    Modulus of Elasticity - Unseasoned: This property is of importance in determining the deflection of a beam under load — the greater the stiffness, the less the deflection. Measured in GPa.
    8

    Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: This property is of importance in determining the deflection of a beam under load — the greater the stiffness, the less the deflection. Measured in GPa.
    11

    Maximum Crushing Strength - Unseasoned:

    Also referred to as compression strength. This property measures the ability of the timber to withstand loads applied on the end grain. Measured in MPa.
    33

    Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: Also referred to as compression strength. This property measures the ability of the timber to withstand loads applied on the end grain. Measured in MPa.
    55

    Impact - Unseasoned: Provides the Izod value, which is the energy taken in joules (J) to fracture the timber.
    11.6

    Impact - Seasoned: Provides the Izod value, which is the energy taken in joules (J) to fracture the timber.
    8.6

    Toughness - Unseasoned: This is a measure of timber’s ability to resist shocks and blows, and is synonymous with impact strength. It is measured in Nm.
    Medium - 15 - 24 Nm

    Toughness - Seasoned: This is a measure of timber’s ability to resist shocks and blows, and is synonymous with impact strength. It is measured in Nm.
    Low - up to 15 Nm

    Hardness - Unseasoned: Refers to the Janka hardness test and is a measure of timber’s resistance to indentation.
    6.8

    Hardness - Seasoned: Refers to the Janka hardness test and is a measure of timber’s resistance to indentation.
    9.6

    Durability

    Low Moderate Reasonably High High
    (0 - 5 yrs) (5 - 15 yrs) (15 - 25 yrs) (more than 25 yrs)

    In-Ground: Durability is defined as the inherent resistance of a timber species to decay, or to insect or marine borer attack. All references to durability refer to the heartwood only. A scale of low to high (durability class 4 = low; 1 = high) has been adapted for above and in-ground durability.

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    (0 - 7 yrs) (7 - 15 yrs) (15 - 40 yrs) (More than 40 yrs)

    Above ground: Durability is defined as the inherent resistance of a timber species to decay, or to insect or marine borer attack. All references to durability refer to the heartwood only. A scale of low to high (durability class 4 = low; 1 = high) has been adapted for above and in-ground durability.

    		 Check mark
    (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5) (21 - 40 yrs) (41 - 64 yrs) (More than 60 yrs)

    Marine Borer Resistance: Indicates whether a species is resistant (R) or not resistant (NR) to marine borer attack.

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    Lyctid Borer Susceptibility: Indicates whether a species is susceptible (S) or not susceptible (NS) to lyctid borer attack.

    Susceptible

    Lyctid Borer Susceptibility - Other:

    Termite Resistance: Indicates whether a species is resistant (R) or not resistant (NR) to termites.

    Resistant

    Fire Properties

    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    EFH Spread-of-Flame Index: This is a material's propensity to burn rapidly and spread flames based on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 means that the materials will not cause flames to reach the ceiling and 10 indicates that the material could be expected to cause flames to reach the ceiling of a room within 10 seconds of ignition.

    EFH Smoke-Developed Index:This is a measure of the concentration (measured by optical density) of smoke a material emits as it burns. It is based on an arbitrary scale of 0 to 10. The higher the index, the greater the hazard from smoke is likely to be.

    Critical Radiance Flux - Lower: This measures the radiant (heat) energy required to sustain burning. It is used in Australia to regulate floor coverings. The requirements are set out in BCA Specification C1.10a, providing CRF values for floor coverings based on Class of building, the location within the building (general use or use in fire isolated exits) and whether or not the building is sprinkler protected or not. CRF is measured in kW/m2.

    >2.2 and <4.5

    Critical Radiance Flux - Higher: This measures the radiant (heat) energy required to sustain burning. It is used in Australia to regulate floor coverings. The requirements are set out in BCA Specification C1.10a, providing CRF values for floor coverings based on Class of building, the location within the building (general use or use in fire isolated exits) and whether or not the building is sprinkler protected or not. CRF is measured in kW/m2.

    ≥4.5

    Smoke Development Rate: This is the speed at which smoke increases as determined by testing flooring materials in accordance with AS ISO 9239.1. The rate is expressed in terms of percent/minutes. For buildings not protected with a sprinkler system, a maximum smoke development rate of 750 percent/minute applies.
    <750
    1 - non-combustible 2 - reasonably non-combustible 3 - slightly combustible 4 - combustible

    Fire Properties Group
    Number:

    Average Specific Extinction Area: This value is determined by the volume of smoke measured over the mass loss of the tested sample per test carried out in accordance with ‘Cone Calorimeter Test’ AS/NZS 3837. It is measured in units of m2/kg.
    <250

    Bushfire Resistance: Naturally bushfire-resisting timbers are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. Some species have been tested and a number are in the process of being tested and are measured by Bushfire Attack level (BAL). BAL -12.5: Ember attack, BAL – 19: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 12.5 and 19 kWm3, BAL – 29: Increasing levels of ember attack and burning debris ignited by windborne embers together with increasing heat flux between 19 and 29 kWm3.
    BAL 12.5, 19 and 29 – All AS3959 required applications
    Appearance

    River red gum is so named for its brilliant red wood, which can range from a light pink through to almost black, depending on the age and weathering of the timber. The timber can be somewhat brittle to handle, and its texture is moderately coarse and even. Its interlocked grain and ever-present gum veins add to its appearance, but may make it difficult to work. The high incidence of cross-grain can also make hand working complex. River red gum has recently been recognised in craft furniture. Its deep red colour and distinctive fiddle-back figure make it a popular timber for wood turners and cabinetmakers alike.

    Common Applications

    Traditionally, river red gum is used in rot resistant applications, as stumps, fence posts and sleepers. Its colour and distinctive figure have more recently become popular for decorative furnishing. This widely available timber has been used in domestic decks, exposed hardwood structures as well as internal fit-outs, joinery and in furniture. River red gum is well suited to garden landscape structures such as retaining walls and garden beds. It is excellent for non-domestic decks and timber flooring as well as structural applications.

    Workability

    River red gum requires care when working. The heartwood of this distinctive species is quite durable (class 2), allowing for a range of exterior applications, but the sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack. While the durability, distinctive colour and figure offer great versatility, this timber needs careful selection as it tends to be quite reactive to changes in humidity (that is, it moves about a lot in service). It is quite hard and dense (about 900 kg/m3) making it difficult to machine and tough to sand. It is a popular timber for wood turners, particularly if old and well seasoned, and carves well. It can, however, be difficult to nail and screw, and can be glued using polyurethane. It takes a fine polish and accepts most coatings, but is particularly suited to oil, which creates a brilliant finish.

    Origin of timber
    NSW
    Readily Available
    NSW
    River red gum trees are a common sight along the rivers and waterways of the Australian mainland. It speed of growth makes it a useful plantation timber, and as a result, it has become one of the most widely planted eucalypts in the world. Plantations occur in Argentina, Arizona, Brazil, California, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe. The timber is therefore readily available.
    Source of timber
    Native Forest
    a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a countertop

    Joinery

    Timber joinery offers a classic, stylish touch to any interior or exterior space.
    a deck with a pool and a deck with a couch and a bench

    Decking

    Timber decking creates spaces that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing. With the right design and care a timber deck will make a valuable addition to any home or business, creating an outdoor living space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
    a wooden fenced hillside with plants and a fenced yard

    Retaining Walls (Landscaping)

    When it comes to retaining wall, landscape design and construction, timber is the natural choice. A material that is durable, sturdy and reliable, it has natural aesthetics that help it blend seamlessly with the outdoors. Careful consideration during the specification and design process will facilitate the creation of a long lasting, durable and beautiful timber retaining wall that will complement its surrounding landscape for years to come.
    a room with tables and chairs

    Structural Timber Poles

    Timber poles are utilised in structural construction to provide support for gravity loads and resistance against lateral forces. Not only serving a structural function, timber poles provide many aesthetic benefits, with their use in construction often complementing architectural designs aimed at harmonisation with the natural environment.

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