Eucalyptus wood is one of the hardwoods that is highly valued for its durability, versatility, and relatively low cost compared to other hardwoods. With its many outstanding characteristics, this type of wood has become a suitable choice for a variety of purposes. So, what are the characteristics and economic value of Eucalyptus wood? Let’s find out about this wood with K-TIMBER in the article below.
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Eucalyptus Wood General information
Eucalyptus Wood (scientific name: Eucalyptus globulus Labill) is a type of wood obtained from eucalyptus trees, a broad-leaved tree species belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and are widely planted on plantations in Brazil. However, today we can see eucalyptus trees planted all over the world, such as in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean region, or even Vietnam. It is the tallest plant in the world with over 700 different species.
The Eucalyptus tree is a rapidly growing tree that can grow up to 60 meters tall and have a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. At K-TIMBER, we only harvest red eucalyptus wood from trees that are 20 meters or more tall and have a diameter of 1-1.2 meters. Eucalyptus wood is left to dry naturally for 15-20 days, then it will be dried according to the customer’s moisture requirements, from 12-16%.
A distinctive feature of eucalyptus trees is their bark. The outer bark of eucalyptus trees will peel off in large sheets, strips, or small scales. This process takes place continuously throughout the life of the tree. The tree’s lifespan can be up to 250 years in the wild, but trees planted in industrial plantations are usually harvested after 6 to 8 years.
Eucalyptus Wood Properties
Color and Texture
Eucalyptus Timber has a natural color ranging from light pink to reddish brown or darker, depending on the type of eucalyptus. There are currently two most common types of Eucalyptus Wood, namely red eucalyptus and pink eucalyptus. Red Eucalyptus has a deep red color, beautiful wood grain, fine grain, hard and strong. Pink Eucalyptus is a type of eucalyptus with a low trunk, light pink color, straight grain, and a larger and softer grain than red eucalyptus.
Density and strength
Eucalyptus wood is very strong, and high density, its harness is even higher than white oak. It is denser than most softwoods, with an average density of around 53 pounds per cubic foot (850 kilograms per cubic meter). In terms of durability, eucalyptus is compared to mahogany and hickory.
Eucalyptus wood is often misclassified as hardwood or softwood. In fact, the hardness of eucalyptus wood falls between the two categories. However, in terms of durability, eucalyptus wood is classified as one of the softest woods with the lowest load-bearing capacity.
Workability
Eucalyptus Timber is generally easy to work with, both by hand and with power tools. However, the moisture content of this type of wood is not stable. Like other types of wood, Eucalyptus Wood also needs to be processed, dried and finished before use. With the characteristics of wood, during the drying process, Eucalyptus timber tends to shrink and warp easily. Therefore, it is necessary to store and pack carefully during transportation.
Eucalyptus Wood Technical Properties
| TECHNICAL PROPERTIES | VALUE |
| Average Dried Weight | 53 lbs/ft3 (850 kg/m3) |
| Specific Gravity (Basic, 12%MC) | 0.60, 0.85 |
| Janka Hardness | 1,420 Ibf (6,330 N) |
| Modulus of Rupture | 17,110 Ibf/in2 (118.0 MPa) |
| Elastic Modulus | 2,049,000 Ibf/in2 (14.13 GPa) |
| Crushing Strength | 8,640 Ibf/in2 (59,6 MPa) |
| Shrinkage | Radial: 8.2%
Tangential: 12.8% Volumetric: 21.0% T/R Ratio: 1.6 |
Eucalyptus Wood Advantages
Eucalyptus Timber is highly durable, famous for its straight, even grain structure, and develops a rich, dark red hue over time. Its exceptional durability makes it a perfect choice for outdoor projects, ensuring years of unwavering performance under demanding conditions.
Eucalyptus Wood Disadvantages
While not suitable for extremely cold climates, this moderately priced wood requires regular maintenance to prevent insect infestation, cracking, and color fading. Its susceptibility to expansions and contractions makes it less durable than teak, and its scarcity limits its availability. Additionally, it may trigger allergies in some individuals.
Eucalyptus Lumber Uses
Eucalyptus wood is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and durability, making it a popular choice for a variety of construction and interior projects. Eucalyptus Timber has many advantages that make it a substitute for many other expensive hardwoods, such as mahogany and oak.
One of the most notable applications of eucalyptus wood is for fencing. Eucalyptus Lumber has good strength and is not easily warped or cracked. This helps Eucalyptus Timber fences have a long lifespan and are sustainable over time. It is also very easy to install in the form of panels and molded panels that are suitable for many other construction projects. In addition, eucalyptus wood is also used in many other construction projects such as decking, shade structures, beams, piles, etc.
The wood is also widely used to make shade structures for buildings and commercial facilities. Eucalyptus is the perfect wood for building shade structures from posts and rafters to eucalyptus frame trellises for seating or outdoor dining areas. Eucalyptus has high durability, can withstand harsh weather conditions, and can be treated to prevent termites. In addition, eucalyptus wood has beautiful natural colors, helping to create aesthetic beauty for outdoor spaces.
Learn more: 5 TIPS to Find African Hardwood Suppliers
Where to buy Eucalyptus Wood in bulk at the best price?
If you are looking for the most beautiful wood in the world for your construction and interior projects, K-TIMBER is one of the perfect eucalyptus wood suppliers that you should not miss. We export high-quality, sustainable African Eucalyptus timber to customers worldwide.
K-TIMBER offers eucalyptus wood in various sizes and types, including sawn eucalyptus plywood, and eucalyptus veneer. We can meet all your needs, from large-scale construction projects to smaller interior projects.
K-TIMBER’s eucalyptus wood is harvested and processed from sustainably managed forests in Africa. We are committed to providing our customers with high-quality, sustainably sourced wood products at a price that is 20% cheaper than the market.
Contact K-TIMBER today to learn more about our eucalyptus wood products and receive the best quote.
