Red Ironbark: A Highly Durable Timber

Ironbark is a popular name of various tree species from the Eucalyptus family, which is characterized by its dark and heavily furrowed bark. Unlike the many other species of Eucalyptus, the dead bark of Ironbarks do not shed every year but accumulates on the trees, creating furrows or fissures. After drying out, it becomes coarse and heavily embedded with “kino” or a dark red tree sap produced by the tree. This bark is resistant to heat and even fire. It is an efficient covering, protecting the living tissue inside the trunk as well as the branches in the event of a bushfire. When the fire is too severe, the special bark can still protect the epicormic buds, allowing the tree to re-shoot and be thriving once more.



There are actually three taxonomic groupings. The first one is the Mugga Ironbarks, the most numerous Red Ironbarks. This particular group can be found distributed from Victoria up to the western slopes of the New South Wales then into the southern portion of Queensland. The second one is the Narrow-Leaved Red Ironbark growing along the coast, on tablelands and western plains of New South Wales primarily in its central up to the northern part. Its distribution even extends all the way up to Queensland in what is known as a belt, which is located between the coast and western part of the Great Dividing Range. The third and last grouping is the Broad-Leaved Red Ironbark., which is dotting the landscape from the southern coast of New South Wales to the central coast of Queensland.



Red Ironbarks primarily Mugga and the Narrow-Leaved are known to have a tendency to pipe, which basically means like a pipe it forms a hollow in the center of the trunk. This particular property lessens the recovery rates as well as decreases the sectional sizes of timber when cut. The heartwood wears a nice deep red color while its sapwood has a very distinct pale yellow shade. Its texture is considered to be medium and even.



The Red Ironbark because of its hardness is very difficult to manipulate. It has many limitations when it comes to applications that need the finest detailing. However, because of its durability, it is ideal for outdoor and external uses. It has been widely used in heavy engineering, marine structures, poles, frames, sleepers, floors and decking. However, it works well with stain and polish sporting a sheen, making it a very attractive timber floor.