What Timber Species Should I Specify For External Timber Claddings or Internal Timber Linings?

Victorian Ash is a hardwood timber species native to southeastern Australia that is used predominately only for internal linings. It primarily comprises two eucalypt species: Eucalyptus regnans and Eucalyptus delegatensis. In Victoria, it’s also commonly referred to as Mountain Ash.Victorian Ash timber is highly regarded for its versatility, strength, and attractive appearance. It typically has a pale, creamy coluor with a straight grain, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, joinery, and architectural projects. It’s often preferred for its ease of working and finishing properties, as well as its ability to accept stains and finishes well.

Victorian Ash has a Group 3 internal fire rating or Group1 if Fireshield intumescent coatings is applied.

Victorian Ash cladding is normally used internally due to its lower class rating, making it ideal for interior timber lining applications. Victorian Ash is classified as a hardwood species.

Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash share a notable similarity in their bushfire alert rating, both boasting a BAL rating of 12.5. This fire alert rating signifies their moderate resistance to ignition.

Blackbutt timber is highly regarded for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance, therefore making Blackbutt external cladding ideal for the Australian climate. It typically has a pale to medium brown color with a straight grain and occasional gum veins. The timber is known for its versatility and is used in a wide range of applications, including flooring, decking, cladding, structural framing, furniture, and joinery.

Due to its natural resistance to decay and termites, Blackbutt is particularly well-suited for outdoor applications such as decking and cladding.

Blackbutt external claddings offers a BAL29 fire rating and Group 3 fire rating for internal linings. Group 1 can be achieved if a Fireshield intumescent coating is applied to the surface.