Botanical name: Eucalyptus maculata.

Distribution: Can be found from Southern Victoria through New South Wales into Central Queensland on the coastal plains. Pardoo is a large hardwood which attains an average height of 40m (132ft) but under ideal conditions has reached greater heights.

Colour: Generally a pleasing mottled appearance in a variety of shades of brown.

The timber: The grain is usually interlocked or wavy producing a fiddleback feature. Gum veins may be present in some boards. Texture is moderately coarse.

Mechanical properties: Can be steam bent if straight grain timber is available. Moderately durable but Pardoo has been widely used in marine decking in Australia and Asia. High crush strength and excellent shock absorbency. Kiln dry density of approx. 900kgs/m³ (56lb/ft³).

Working properties: Pardoo has a slightly greasy feel. Despite its density it works with minimal difficulty with moderate resistance to cutting and moderate blunting to cutter edges. It should be pre drilled before using nails or screws to avoid splitting. Gluing is satisfactory except with phenolic type adhesive. It can be worked to a very high polish and accepts finishing treatments well.

Uses: Flooring, decking, marina decking, furniture, cabinet work, tool handles, construction and it is available as a veneer.

Availability: Plentiful.