Wood Species Guide
River Red Gum
Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Also called: Murray Red Gum, River Gum, Red River Gum, Camaldulensis
About the name “River Red Gum”
In Australia this tree is often just called red gum. In the US, red gum usually means the heartwood of sweetgum, a different tree with its own page, so we use the full name here.
What River Red Gum looks like
Heartwood is a deep blood red to reddish brown, darkening with age. Gum veins and small pockets of dark kino are common.
Grain and texture
Grain is strongly interlocked and often wavy, with a medium texture. Burls and fiddleback figure turn up often.
Working River Red Gum: planing, cutting and gluing
Hard and interlocked, so it tears out easily on the planer; a CNC or drum sander gives cleaner faces. It dulls blades. Gum veins can gum up cutters and may need cleaning out before finishing.
Finishing River Red Gum: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Oil makes the red glow. Gum pockets and veins can weep, so wipe with acetone and use a seal coat before epoxy or a film finish. Fill open kino pockets with epoxy for a clean top. It slowly darkens in light.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
The heartwood is regarded as durable and has long been used for fence posts, sleepers and outdoor work in Australia. In Florida it is happy indoors or on a covered lanai; seal the end grain, since it can check.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
River red gum is the classic Australian red slab and burl wood, and it makes rich, heavy tabletops and turnings. Expect gum veins and checks that need epoxy fill, and flatten on a CNC to avoid tearout. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for River Red Gum
Slabs, tabletops, furniture, flooring, turned objects, burl work, posts and sleepers.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Much of the wood on the market comes from plantations and salvaged trees.
Safety and toxicity
- No common reactions reported
Few reports. Nothing beyond normal dust irritation is documented, though related eucalypts can irritate the skin.
- In the shop
- Normal dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
No reactions are reported beyond normal wood dust irritation, though some other eucalypts can irritate the skin. Use dust collection and a mask.
River Red Gum in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have River Red Gum listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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