TIMBER
AUSTRALIAN TIMBERS Tony feels very fortunate to have access to some of the most beautiful timbers in the world. Australian and southern hemisphere timbers are particularly known for their rich colour and translucent quality. As these timbers vary considerably, Tony is directly involved with the selection of special pieces from very old, dead or fallen logs that have matured to develop superb figure and colour. Australian Red Cedar - TOONA AUSTRALIS Referred to as ‘Red Gold’ in the 1800’s, Red Cedar’s exquisite beauty and furniture making qualities led to a rush to cut these forest giants, resulting in over-clearing of some of Australia’s richest volcanic land. Cedar matures into a huge tree supported by Sub Tropical Rainforest. Reasonably fast growing, quality timber can be expected after 100 years growth. It can be found in paddocks and in gullies on farmland. Australian Silky Oak - GREVILLEA ROBUSTA Northern Silky Oak - CARDWELLIA SUBLIMIS Silky Oak derives its name from its silky shimmer and trade mark ‘Oak’ fleck which is most noticeable on boards that are cut parallel to the medullary ray. It has been widely used in Australia for furniture and joinery since the early settlers and is known for its beauty, stability and durability. Silky Oak has been recognised as an important plantation species abroad due to its rapid growth rate and timber quality. It is currently being harvested in South America and sold in USA and back to Australia as ‘Lacewood’. Tasmanian Huon - LAGAROSTROBOS FRANKLINII Tasmania is known for its timbers and Huon its most renowned. Initially prized for its durability as boat building timber, it is now highly sought after for its beauty, extremely fine texture and its carving and furniture making qualities. Huon is very slow growing; trees have been found to be two to three thousand years old. It has now become one of the world’s rarest timbers. Only three small mills in Tasmania (and the world) are licensed to salvage logs from the dam-flooded rivers, where the logs are hauled from the deep waters. Tasmanian Blackwood - ACACIA MELANOXYLON Tasmanian Blackwood was recognized as one of the ‘world’s finest cabinet timbers’ by the first craftsmen to arrive in Australia. It has been widely used in quality antiques and was used as a decorative timber by the royal coach builders of the 1800’s. Today, most Blackwood is being harvested from plantations or regrowth forest. However, the finest timber comes from the older trees before they deteriorate and die. It is found in paddocks and on farm land in North Western Tasmania and has become scarce. This timber is often highly figured, mostly sawn into veneers and used for guitar making as it has excellent acoustic properties.