Tawa, scientifically known as Beilschmiedia tawa, is a prominent timber species indigenous to New Zealand’s lush forests. Its heartwood boasts a rich reddish-brown color that darkens with age, lending a distinctive and appealing aesthetic to various woodworking projects. Tawa is renowned for its natural resistance to decay, making it ideal for outdoor applications, such as decking and joinery. Its versatility and enduring beauty have solidified Tawa’s status as a prized and sustainable resource in New Zealand’s woodworking and construction industries, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving its unique flora and fauna.
Uses
- Built-in furniture
- Internal joinery
- Flooring
Selection factors
- Accepts stain and polish well
- Has excellent turning properties
| Common names | Tawa |
| Species | Beilschmiedia tawa |
| General description | – Heartwood is cream/brown with some contrasting dark brown or black segments – Sapwood is cream/white – Grain is moderately fine and straight – Harder and stronger than most New Zealand softwoods – Hardwood |
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Sustainability | Available from sustainably managed native forests |
| Availability | Availability in small quantities |
| Durability & treatment | Non-durable and susceptible to borer attack but can be treated by diffusion or pressure processes, except for black heartwood |
| Drying | Easy |
Technical Specs
| Physical Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage | Tangential | 6.7% |
| Radial | 3.4% | |
| Strength group | Unseasoned | SD4 |
| Seasoned | SD4 | |
| Density | 722 kg/m3 | |
| Hardness | 7.1 | |
| Durability Class | Non-durable |