Blackbutt trees get their name from the rough bark at the base of the tree. This bark is a darker shade than the rest of the tree, and it’s often charred by past bushires.

The upper parts of Blackbutt trees tend to have little or no bark. Instead, the smooth Blackbutt timber is exposed, and it’s characterised by the squiggle marks left behind by burrowing pests.

Blackbutt is an excellent timber species for facades, cladding, decking, screens and more. As an exceptionally tough hardwood, Blackbutt timber is resistant to moisture, pests and bushfire, and it’s prized for its aesthetic appeal. Combined, these things make Blackbutt a good choice of timber for any exterior or interior application.

The benefits of Blackbutt timber include:

• Durability – The major benefit of Blackbutt timber is that it’s highly durable. It holds a Class 1 Durability Rating, making it resistant to moisture, pests and decay. 
• Aesthetic appeal – Blackbutt is known for its bright, blonde tones. These are extremely popular in contemporary design and interior spaces. The natural hues of the timber are complemented by straight grain and visually pleasing sap veins.
• Low maintenance – As a hard wearing timber species, Blackbutt requires relatively little maintenance. Timbers should be oiled once per year to protect against pests and moisture, and to enhance the natural appearance of the wood.
• Resistant to bushfire – Blackbutt timber is one of the few timber species that is approved for exterior use in bushfire prone areas. This makes it the ideal choice for projects located amongst Australia’s stunning bushland.

Blackbutt is a hardwood timber. It’s a species of eucalypt that is known for its straight trunks that can reach heights of up to 40 metres. Blackbutt trees are native to the east coast of Australia, where they can be sourced from responsibly managed plantations.

As a hardwood, Blackbutt timber is incredibly durable. It’s suitable for interior and exterior cladding applications, as well as decking, screens, furniture and structural applications.

Due to its rapid growth and high performance, Blackbutt timber is highly versatile and is suitable for interior and exterior applications. It’s commonly installed in both residential and commercial projects, where it can be used for cladding, decking, screening, feature walls and structural framework.

When installed outdoors, above ground, Blackbutt timber is expected to last for 40+ years. With proper care, exterior Blackbutt timbers have been known to last substantially longer.

Speak to the Modinex team to learn more about maintaining Blackbutt timber products. Regular maintenance protects the timber against moisture, pests and the elements, and it enhances its natural appearance.

Blackbutt timber has a Class 1 Durability Rating. This rating is based on whether the timber is resistant to moisture and pests when installed outdoors.

Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are two of Australia’s most popular timber species. They both provide excellent performance.

The main difference is that Blackbutt offers uniform colours that range from blonde to light brown. In comparison, Spotted Gum varies dramatically from board to board, offering a less uniform finish.

Blackbutt timber is generally the preferred option for designs that demand a consistent finish.