Botanical Name:
Eucalyptus pellita
Common Name:
AKA:
Red Stringybark, Daintree Stringybark (Qld), Red Messmate (Qld), Eucalyptus resinifera
Type:
Appearance
Red Mahogany is a beautiful timber, displaying a range of deep red and pale pink hues. The grain is uniform and somewhat course and can be interlocked, producing a stunning figure.Generally the heartwood is a deep, rich red in colour but it may be lighter in younger material. The timber’s sapwood is paler and clearly distinct from the heartwood. Tight gum veins, gum deposits and pinhole borer discolouration occasionally augment the appearance of the timber and pencil streak is common.
Common Applications
Red Mahogany’s durability, hardness and distinctive colouring make it one of the most versatile of timbers. The engineering applications of Red Mahogany as a sawn and round timber can be seen in wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross arms, poles, piles, mining timbers. As sawn timber for construction purposes it is used in general house framing, cladding, internal and external flooring, linings, joinery, fencing, landscaping, including use in retaining walls, although it is less ideal for use in contact with the ground.
One of its finest uses is for decorative purposes, in the manufacture of quality indoor and outdoor furniture. It is also prized for turnery. Red Mahogany’s versatility can be seen further in its use in boat building (keel and framing components, planking), coach, vehicle and carriage building, agricultural machinery and in structural plywood.
Common Form
Sawn
Workabiity
For a dense timber that is very hard, Red Mahogany is relatively easy to work and machine with both hand and power tools. It can be satisfactorily dried using conventional air and kiln seasoning.
The heartwood is highly resistant to termites and the softwood susceptible to lyctid borer. The sapwood readily accepts preservative impregnation but penetration of heartwood is negligible using currently available commercial processes.
No difficulty has been experienced when using standard fittings and fastenings. As with most highly dense species, machining and surface preparation should be done immediately before gluing. The species holds both nails and staples well.
Finishing the timbers is possible through a range of methods. The timber accepts paint and stain and is one of the best eucalypts for painting since the wood has good resistance to surface checking. It develops a lovely finish when polished.
Architectural Roof Trusses
Architectural timber roof trusses create strong visual impact. Often used as part of ‘cathedral ceiling’ systems, timber can be specified light or heavy to suit the chosen theme and style. On finish, they can be left natural or may be oiled, stained, painted or highly decorated. Choice is limited only by individual style and design preferences.
External Cladding
The natural appeal, versatility and strength of timber makes it the superior choice for external cladding. Through specification, planning, design and finishing processes, timber cladding not only creates a building of superior strength, acoustic and thermal performance but also creates a place of beauty, style and natural appeal.
Fencing
When it comes to fencing, timber is your natural choice. A material that is durable, strong and reliable it compliments almost every outdoor landscape and environment. Clear specification, detailed installation and appropriate maintenance will see any timber fence provide a natural and lasting property boundary and back drop for years to come.
Flooring
Whether for structural or finished flooring applications, timber offers durability, versatility and adaptability. The warmth, strength and natural beauty of timber flooring has proved enduringly popular in a wide variety of interior settings.
Framing
Since people began building simple shelters, wooden framing has played an important role in shaping structures of many kinds. One of the most popular types of wooden framing is known as lightweight timber construction.
Internal Panelling
Timber paneling creates interiors as warm as they are stylish. Commonly utilising an MDF or plywood substrate, internal timber paneling is natural and versatile and comes as either solid natural timber panels or as sheets of engineered wood products
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 boasts 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 eye catching timber retaining wall that will complement its surrounding landscape for years to come.
Shear Walls
Lateral loads such as wind or earthquake on framed timber buildings – either post and beam or stud and joist – need to be resisted and shear walls and diaphragms offer an effective and economical solution.
Structural Timber Posts
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.
Timber Joinery Products
Timber joinery products offer a classic, unique and stylish touch to any interior design.
Timber Mouldings
Mouldings are extremely versatile and durable, enhancing the aesthetics of any interior and functioning as the icing on the cake for designs with a focus on beauty and splendour.
Timber Portal Frames
For buildings that require large spans and column free interiors, timber portal frames provide one of the most aesthetically pleasing solutions. Utilising modern engineering technology, portal frame design transforms timber into a highly effective, efficient and economical structural product. This application guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process of using timber in the specification, fabrication and erection of portal frame structures.
