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Sugar Gum
A unique farm plantation timber
Sugar gum is a dense, blonde to tan, plantation
grown native timber that polishes to a superb finish for the production
of quality furniture and flooring. With a Category I durability
rating, sugar gum is particularly suited to situations requiring
high strength or facing high wear, such as in external applications.
Research by CSIRO has found that of the four native
hardwood species commonly grown in Victoria, sugar gum (Eucalyptus
cladocalyx) is the outstanding species.
Timber Characteristics
Sugar gum is a light, tan coloured, extremely dense timber, generally
with little defect. Clear timbers have the highest strength rating.
Because of its hardness it polishes to a superb finish. Some trees
yield wood with desirable grain feature such as beeswing and fiddleback.
It is suitable for many uses including exterior cladding and decking,
flooring including overlay, outdoor furniture, pickets and bench
tops.
Shrinkage
About 3.5% through, and 8.5% across the face of backsawn boards.
Sugar gum air dries relatively slowly due to its density. It can
be air dried without surface checking or degrade. Similarly, it
kiln dries well with no or minimal checking and degrade. Like all
Australian hardwoods, shrinkage and expansion in service is a natural
process. Standard laying techniques for hardwood flooring should
be used to manage movement.
Fixing
For most applications the high density and strength of seasoned
sugar gum requires pre-drilling with a titanium coated bit to about
80% of the nail or screw diameter. Secret-nail flooring does not
require pre-drilling.
Glueing
Should only be done on freshly machined surfaces. 'Titebond' aliphatic
resin glue has performed satisfactorily. Further testing is being
done with other glues by CSIRO. Construction using biscuitjointed
corners, floating panels, and clip attached table and bench tops
is generally preferred.
Finishes
Organic timber oils give a most attractive dark honey colour to
the surface. French polishing and synthetic ‘Estapol’
type finishes are also used. The latter shows up the subtle greens
and pinks sometimes seen in the dressed timber.
Veneering
Available for a variety of architectural veneer products. Veneers
are an environmentally friendly way to enjoy the beauty and warmth
of timber while minimising the consumption of the renewable resource,
by cutting the timber into very thin slices (0.6mm).
Outdoor
Unfinished, it weathers to a silver grey and develops superficial
fine checking. Suitably finished it has excellent outdoor weathering
performance.
Sustainably sourced from farm plantations
Our timber comes to you with a WARRANTY
OF ORIGIN, soon to be upgraded to an internationally recognised
certificate of sustainable management. SMARTimbers sugar gum is
traceable back to the source in a farm plantation. Our members have
a commitment to best practice in managing their farm plantations.
We carefully mill, dry, grade and store this timber,
aiming to supply the best quality material to furniture makers,
architects and builders. SMARTimbers will supply green and dried
sugar gum in all the usual dimensions. Our commitment is to sustainability,
quality assurance and prompt personal service.
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