Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus covers hundreds of species of trees native to Australia, many of them planted around the world for timber, including in Florida. The heavy red gum types make handsome, hard slabs and lumber with deep red-brown color and interlocked grain, and the lighter plantation types are used for flooring and furniture. Jarrah is the best known Australian hardwood in this group, a dense, dark red wood that is very resistant to rot and termites and was once shipped worldwide for railroad ties and docks. Eucalyptus can be tricky to dry, so slabs may check or move, and some species are hard on tools. Once stable, the wood finishes to a deep, warm luster and works well for tabletops and outdoor pieces. Exact species are not always known for imported eucalyptus, so read the notes on each page below and ask us if you need a specific type for your project.