Wood Species Guide
Tasmanian Oak
Eucalyptus regnans, E. obliqua and E. delegatensis (sold together)
Also called: Victorian Ash, Australian Oak, Mountain Ash, Messmate, Alpine Ash
About the name “Tasmanian Oak”
Tasmanian oak is not an oak. It is an Australian trade name for the pale wood of three eucalypts: mountain ash, messmate and alpine ash. The same mix is sold as Victorian ash on the mainland. Mountain ash is also a common name for unrelated rowan trees (Sorbus) in North America and Europe, which have nothing to do with this timber.
What Tasmanian Oak looks like
Pale straw to light pinkish brown, fairly even in tone. Occasional gum veins show as thin dark lines.
Grain and texture
Grain is mostly straight, with an open, fairly coarse but even texture. Growth rings show on flatsawn boards, giving an oak-like look that explains the name.
Working Tasmanian Oak: planing, cutting and gluing
Easy to work for a hardwood: it machines, glues and turns well with ordinary tools. Some boards have gum veins or small checks to work around.
Finishing Tasmanian Oak: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes stain, oil and film finishes very well, and it is often stained darker. Seal the open grain before an epoxy pour or flood coat to stop bubbles. The pale color warms slightly toward honey with light.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Rated low in natural durability in its home market, where it is treated as an indoor timber. Keep it inside in Florida, in air conditioning, with both faces finished.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Tasmanian oak is Australia's everyday pale hardwood for floors, stair treads, cabinets and benchtops. It looks a little like white oak or ash and stains well. Use it indoors only. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Tasmanian Oak
Flooring, stair treads, furniture, cabinetry, benchtops, joinery, veneer and plywood.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Harvesting of old mountain ash forests is controversial in Australia because they shelter threatened wildlife.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Eye, skin and airway irritation are reported for these eucalypts, and asthma-like symptoms for messmate. Serious reactions are uncommon.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask or respirator 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.
The dust has been reported to irritate eyes, skin and airways, and asthma-like symptoms are reported for messmate. Use dust collection and a mask.
Tasmanian Oak in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Tasmanian Oak 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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