Grown in some of the most unique forest environments in the world, Tasmanian timbers are renowned for their durability and elegance. When it comes to building a home, there are a wide variety of species to choose from - each one sought after for its own specific strengths and character.
Nailing your timber choice, whether it be for floorboards, cabinetry, furniture or all of the above can significantly elevate both the appearance and liveability of your home. It’s a decision worth careful consideration - so for anyone looking to give their new space an extra touch of class, here are five Tasmanian timbers to use in your home.
1. Tasmanian Oak
Tasmanian Oak is an incredibly popular timber variety, used commonly throughout construction and interior finishing. This biggest reason for this is its resilience - an incredibly dense timber, you can rest assured that building with Tasmanian Oak will help your home stand the test of time.
But we all know that when building a home, looks matter too - and thankfully, this timber offers the best of both worlds. The light undertones of Tasmanian Oak can range from a beautiful cream to a reddish-brown, making it incredibly versatile in all interior applications.This strong yet elegant timber can be easily painted or stained to match a room’s interior decor and even complement other timbers within your home.
2. Tasmanian Blackwood
Blackwood grows abundantly in the wetter regions ofTasmania. It has a distinct golden-brown appearance and wavy grain that makes it popular for veneers, furniture and panelling.
Often accentuated with reddish streaks and dark growth rings, Blackwood can be polished to a smooth finish ideal for furniture -however, it can also be used for flooring to absolutely stunning effect. Better yet, it’s durable and easy to work with. Known as an ‘appearance timber’,Blackwood is perfect for anyone seeking an elegant interior finish.
3. Tasmanian Myrtle
Tasmanian Myrtle is an interior designer’s dream. Predominantly used as a decorative timber, its colour varies from a warm pink to a reddish-brown with a smooth texture ideal for furniture and cabinetry.
Its fine grain and unique patterns make it ideal for finishing, and it should be considered by anyone looking to incorporate feature panelling inside their home. Be wary that while its warmth and decorative qualities are attractive indoors, Tasmanian Myrtle isn’t resilient enough for external use.
4. Tasmanian Sassafras
Tasmanian Sassafras is perfect for adding a unique or distinctive touch to your home. Typically a beautiful pale grey or creamy white, it is often streaked with rich browns, giving it the most dynamic appearance of all Tasmanian timbers. Strong and not easily split, Sassafras isa light timber renowned for its use in furniture, panelling, and veneers.
Blackheart Sassafras is produced when a tree is infected with fungus, resulting in timber with deep brown, black and occasionally green streaks. This unique appearance makes it highly sought after for decorative work. While it isn’t cheap due to its relative scarcity, Blackheart Sassafras is worth considering for anyone looking to add a little ‘wow’ factor into your home.
5. Celery Top Pine
One of the rarer Tasmanian timber varieties, Celery Top Pine is often exclusive to specialist timber retailers. A pleasant, creamy white colour when fresh, the wood darkens to a gorgeous golden hue as it ages.Its fine grain and durability make it fantastic for flooring, with a colour guaranteed to add light and warmth to your home.
Alternatively, if you’re searching for standout furniture or panelling, Celery Top Pine often features unique knots and imperfections great for injecting a little character into a space. Tough enough for flooring yet refined enough for furniture, an attractive combination of strength, ease of working and appearance make this timber a fantastic option for a variety of home applications.
Each Tasmanian timber is uniquely beautiful, possessing a range of strengths and benefits. Regardless of the style, size or location of your home, there’s a species to suit your individual needs.