What You Need To Know About Spotted Gum Timber Decking

Spotted gum timber decking is another popular hardwood used in various Australian outdoor projects. It is one of the most common timber species that is also referred to as Eucalyptus henryi, Corymbia henryi, Eucalyptus citriodora, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus maculate, Spotted Irongum, and Lemon-scented Gum. It is a common form of Eucalypt that grows along Australia’s east coast and in drier areas where shale and slate are usually found.

Spotted gum timber decking can grow between 20 meters and 45 meters high with a trunk diameter of 1.3 meters. It features a smooth bark that will shed in areas that give it a unique spotted appearance. It is mainly plantation grown and is by far the type of hardwood that’s being harvested the most in Queensland. There is no shortage of spotted gum timber decking, which is 1010 kilogram per cubic metre in weight, an indication of its remarkable density. If you choose an unseasoned spotted gum, you can expect it to shrink about 0.3% when it is laid, which is a great sign that it is suitable for decking uses because it is less likely to shrink and move. Apart from that, it is also resistant to termites and is low in tanning compared to other hardwood decking timber variations like Merbau timber decking.

Spotted gum’s color will depend on where it is grown. The sapwood’s color ranges from white to light brown while the heartwood ranges from pale brown to deep red brown and dark chocolate brown. It features a coarse texture and wavy grain, which is among the many reasons why homeowners and builders love this type of hardwood. Because of its coarse texture, drying spotted gum needs to be done with care because it can result in surface checking when dried too far or too quickly.

Even with its density and strength, which are both wonderful characteristics, spotted gum also possesses its own set of imperfections. It takes oiling and staining well and possesses lower tannin content compared to other types of hardwood. Because of this, bleeding through and tannin staining is less likely to happen. Spotted gum is not only good for machine work but is also a good material for woodturning and carving.

Apart from being used for decking projects, spotted gum’s other applications include house framing, fencing, retaining walls, and landscaping. It can be used for both internal and external flooring, parquetry, cladding, as well as to make indoor and outdoor furniture. It is also a common material used for the creation of high impact tool, diving boards, and polo sticks. Because of its durability and strength, spotted gum timber decking is used in infrastructure and structural projects, heavy engineering, shipbuilding, wharf and bridge construction, and to create railway sleepers, agricultural machinery and more.

Why Use Spotted Gum Timber Decking

There are several reasons why you should go for spotted gum timber decking. First, it is classified as Class 1 above ground and Class 2 in-ground. It is, therefore, durable and strong. These two characteristics are a must when it comes to decking so that the structure will stand the test of time and withstand Australia’s unpredictable weather condition. If you are looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly option, you may also consider composite wood or co-extrusion timber from Futurewood.

Just like composite wood, spotted gum decking also looks great and is offered in different colors. If you want a certain look for your deck, be sure to check with your supplier to make sure that the color you want is in stock because each shipment carries spotted gum timber decking with a different appearance. As mentioned earlier it is easy to work with and less likely to stain and bleed through when oiled, stained, and polished.

Is Composite Wood A Good Alternative?

Composite wood has become a popular eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional structural materials like wood, steel, concrete, and wood. Composite wood is a synthetic product that’s made of recycled wood and plastics, giving it unique properties that are not commonly found in a single construction material. To be more specific, this type of material is durable, lightweight, and non-corrosive. It also possesses electrical and thermal insulation plus, it looks a lot like real wood.

Composite wood and co-extrusion timber products offered by suppliers like Futurewood have clear benefits over real wood. These include minimal maintenance requirements, longer lifespan, significant long-term cost savings, eco-friendly, safe, and close resemblance to natural wood. If you are interested in using this material for your decking project, contact Futurewood now.