Botanical name: Eucalyptus marginata

Distribution: Indigenous to the South Western corner of Western Australia. A large hardwood which can grow to 40m (132ft) with diameters to 2m (6ft). It produces a fairly well formed bole and relatively compact, yet open crown. However the commercially utilisable portion of its stem rarely exceeds half of its overall height.

Colour: The heartwood is a rich dark reddish-brown tending to purple with age.

The timber: The grain is straight and often slightly interlocked which can present a fiddleback appearance. Flat sawn surfaces may have boat shaped flecks which enhance its decorative appearance. Texture is coarse but even.

Mechanical properties: The timber is extremely durable, has a moderate steam bending classification and high crushing strength. Jarrah is moderately stable in service. The timber has high resistance to termite and marine borers. Kiln dry density averages 800kgs/m³ (50lb/ft³) but can vary from 690-1040kgs/m³ (43-65lb/ft³).

Working properties: If tools are kept in a sharp condition Jarrah will saw and machine to a good finish. A reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees is recommended to prevent interlocked grain from tearing out. Pre drilling is advisable for nailing and screwing to avoid splitting. Gluing properties are good and Jarrah finishes to a high polish and accepts most finishes well.

Uses: Highly prized as a furniture timber. It is used for flooring, panelling, joinery, decking,  and marine work. Available as a veneer.

Availability: Plentiful.