Choosing timber for an Australian project takes more than picking a species that looks good in a photo. Architects, builders, landscapers, designers and homeowners all need to weigh up the timber’s characteristics, its intended use, and what the project actually demands. When comparing hardwood sleepers, species like Blackbutt and Ironbark offer solid options worth a closer look at, while Tasmanian Oak brings a different set of characteristics and applications to the table.
At AusTimber, we supply Australian hardwood timbers for a wide range of projects, landscaping and outdoor features. Our range covers more than 20 species, giving project teams access to different timber options from a single supplier. We also specialise in all local and imported hardwood timber, and have spent 50 years supplying timber stairs, treads and handrails. Instead of procuring from multiple suppliers, buy direct and save.
Assessing Blackbutt for Timber Projects
Blackbutt is an Australian hardwood sourced from coastal areas stretching from southern NSW through to southern Queensland. We describe it as generally pale brown, sometimes with a slight pink tinge, giving it a lighter look than some other hardwoods in the market.
The numbers back up the appeal. Blackbutt carries a Janka hardness of 8.9, natural durability of Class #1 above ground, and a dry density of around 900 kg/m³. It’s also worth knowing Blackbutt shares similar durability, density and hardness with the commonly requested Spotted Gum.
Blackbutt has a wide range of uses like flooring, decking, furniture and cladding among many. Its strength, grain and colour variation make it a practical species worth considering, whatever your project requires. View AusTimber’s Blackbutt timber range for more information.
Comparing Grey and Red Ironbark
Ironbark brings another strong Australian hardwood option to the table, and we supply both Grey and Red Ironbark. They’re different species entirely, so it pays to consider their characteristics separately when specifying timber.
Grey Ironbark, or Eucalyptus paniculata, is common along the east coast of NSW and Queensland. It carries a Janka hardness of 14.0 to 16.3, natural durability of Class #1, and a dry density of approximately 1120 kg/m³. Its colour ranges from pale to dark chocolate brown, sometimes with dark red tones showing through.
Red Ironbark, or Eucalyptus sideroxylon, grows across northern Victoria and the inland slopes of NSW. Its heartwood runs deep red, sometimes with lighter streaks running through it. This species carries a Janka hardness of 11.9, natural durability of Class #1, and a dry density of approximately 1130 kg/m³.
Comparing Ironbark options for your project? You can view Grey Ironbark or see the Red Ironbark range and compare the characteristics of each species.
Understanding Where Tasmanian Oak Fits
Tasmanian Oak is another hardwood option we supply, and despite the name, it’s not an oak at all. It’s a trade name covering timber sourced from three Australian Eucalyptus species: Eucalyptus delegatensis, Eucalyptus obliqua, and Eucalyptus regnans.
Tasmanian Oak is a genuinely versatile timber. It’s used for flooring, furniture, joinery, panelling, veneer, boat building, musical instruments and woodturning. The timber generally ranges from pale cream to light brown, sometimes with a pinkish hue, and can feature straight, wavy or interlocked grain depending on the piece.
It can also be used outdoors when properly treated and maintained. That makes understanding the intended application important when comparing it against other hardwood options. Read AusTimber’s Tasmanian Oak guide for further information about the species.
Choosing Hardwood Sleepers for Your Project
There’s no need to pick a timber species on looks alone. Start with what the project actually requires, then compare the characteristics of what’s available.
For hardwood sleepers and other landscaping applications, consider:
- Species: Compare the characteristics of Blackbutt, Grey Ironbark and Red Ironbark before making a selection.
- Durability: Review the natural durability information provided for the species and consider the intended application.
- Hardness: Janka hardness provides useful information when comparing the listed species.
- Density: Dry density can help distinguish the physical characteristics of different timbers.
- Appearance: Colour and grain can be important where the timber remains visible.
- Application: Consider whether the timber is intended for landscaping, outdoor features, decking, cladding, flooring or another purpose listed for the species.
Our wider range includes Australian hardwoods, imported timbers and softwoods, recycled and reclaimed timbers, decking, cladding, flooring, stairs, handrails, heavy posts and beams, furniture timbers and more.
Hardwood Sleepers and Timber Supply From AusTimber
Choosing the right timber gets a lot easier when your supplier can give you clear information on different species and their uses. AusTimber supplies new, recycled and reclaimed Australian hardwood timbers. Our knowledge of timber species and manufacturing facilities means we can advise on and supply timber for projects of any scale.
For requirements that go beyond standard timber supply, AusTimber also acts as a single point of contact. We can source timber, supply the right quantities, machine to specifications and provide finish coating where required.
Comparing hardwood sleepers or other timber products for an upcoming project? Contact AusTimber’s team with your requirements. The team can discuss available timber species, quantities and project requirements with you.
FAQs About Hardwood Sleepers
Q1. Which hardwood species does AusTimber supply?
Our Australian hardwood range includes more than 20 species, including Blackbutt, Grey and Red Ironbark, Jarrah, Karri, Silvertop, Spotted Gum, Tallowwood and Victorian Ash.
Q2. What is the natural durability of Blackbutt?
We list Blackbutt at Class #1 natural durability above ground. It also carries a Janka hardness of 8.9 and dry density of approximately 900 kg/m³.
Q3. How hard is Grey Ironbark?
Grey Ironbark carries a Janka hardness of 14.0 to 16.3, natural durability of Class #1, and dry density of approximately 1120 kg/m³.
Q4. What is Tasmanian Oak used for?
Flooring, furniture, joinery, panelling, veneer, boat building, musical instruments and woodturning are all common applications.
Q5. Can AusTimber help with project-specific timber requirements?
Yes. We can source timber, supply the required quantity, machine timber to specifications, and provide finish coating where required.