Blackwood timber (Acacia melanoxylon) is prized for its remarkable qualities. With a sleek, dark appearance and fine grains, it’s a favoured choice in fine furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Hailing from Australia, it’s known for its durability, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Its versatility and aesthetic appeal make it a popular option among craftsmen and designers, contributing to its status as a sought-after timber in various high-end woodworking projects.
Uses
- Built-in furniture and interior joinery
- Panelling
- Flooring
Selection factors
- Not suitable for paint finish due to surface checking
- Will take stain well
| Common names | Blackwood |
| Species | Acacia melanoxylon |
| General description | – Heartwood varies: gold/dark brown/reddish streaks – Sapwood is straw-coloured – Hardwood |
| Origin | Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria |
| Sustainability | Some available from plantations in Tasmania and New Zealand |
| Availability | Limited |
| Durability & treatment | Moderately durable and resistant to treatment |
| Drying | Easy |
Technical Specs
| Physical Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage | Tangential | 4% |
| Radial | 1.5% | |
| Strength group | Unseasoned | S4 |
| Seasoned | SD4 | |
| Density | 640 kg/m3 | |
| Hardness | 5.9 | |
| Durability Class | 4 | |
| Lyctid susceptibility | S |