Gum, Southern Blue

Native to the coastal sclerophyll forests of eastern Tasmania, southern blue gum is the world's most widely planted eucalypt species. It is the preferred tree species in plantations throughout Australia. Originally forested for wood chips, pulp and paper fibre, some of the larger plantation trees have been used to produce both timber furniture and flooring material.

The colour of southern blue gum timber ranges from pale straw to brown, often with blue, green or grey tinges. Regrowth material can exhibit shades of pink. Sapwood is somewhat paler than the heartwood, but not always clearly demarcated. Growth rings are prominent on end sections. Grain is often interlocked with a medium and relatively even texture. Timber produced from plantations often exhibits areas of pinhole.

Southern blue gum is a moderately durable timber. It is not termite-resistant and untreated sapwood is susceptible to Lyctid borer attack. Although very hard, the timber is relatively easy to work, fix and dress.

Due to its density, seasoning requires care in order to minimise checking of tangential surfaces. Southern blue gum blunts cutting edges but good results can be achieved with careful working and the use of correct machinery. The timber can be worked to a smooth and resilient surface that readily accepts most standard finishes. Southern blue gum can be difficult to drill, but holes are usually very clean and to size. Seasoned material can be difficult to nail and utmost care is required when gluing. Southern blue gum is suitable for steam bending if carefully selected for straightness of grain.

Suggested applications of southern blue gum include flooring, joinery, furniture and general construction. The hardness and brightness of this timber makes it an ideal flooring material for indoor sports centres and other venues. Other applications include wagon building, framing, boat building, handles, piles, posts, sleepers, paving blocks, spokes, wheel rims and shafts.