Blackwood

(also known as Black Wattle)

Name: Acacia Melanoxylon

Source/Origin: A medium sized hardwood that grows in Victoria, Southern NSW and Tasmania. (Most of the commercially available timber now comes from Tasmania.)

Appearance: The timber ranges from light golden-brown to deep brown (sometimes with a reddish tint) and occasionally shows black streaks. The heartwood (inner, dead wood) is a golden brown but often has streaks of darker colour and can also have a red tone.

Common uses: Above ground (but should be seasoned and used in protected areas), decking, cladding, internal flooring, panelling. Not for in ground use. Furniture, woodturning and general wooden items. Fiddleback boards are sought after by musical instrument makers. Blackwood is one of Australia’s best bending timbers and can be cold bent or steamed.

Janka Hardness: 5.9

Durability: Above Gound Class 3

Availability: Generally available, although limited availability for longer pieces.