What is Australian Blackbutt Timber?

What is an Australian blackbutt tree?

Blackbutt, also known as Eucalyptus Pilularis, is a tall tree that often grows up to 40 metres in height. Blackbutt is a type of native hardwood that has straight and cylindrical trunks, making it perfect for use in home renovations. It produces light timber that has straight, aesthetically pleasing gum veins.

Why is blackbutt called blackbutt?

Blackbutt gets its name because the base of Eucalyptus Pilularis trees are covered in a rough, fibrous bark that is often charred by previous bushfires. It’s a stark contrast to the upper trunk and branches, which are incredibly smooth, and usually very light in colour. Old bark sheds in strips, revealing the yellowish-white bark below, which is often covered in squiggly marks that insects have left behind. No two pieces are the same, which makes it a gorgeous and unique addition to a home.

What colour is blackbutt timber?

Blackbutt trees are dark at the bottom and light at the top. When it’s milled into timber, however, it ranges in colour from golden yellow to pale brown, with soft pink elements. It has an even texture with a straight grain, which makes it a beautiful wood to use in living spaces. It’s a great way to add a subtle nod to the bush, creating a modern aesthetic that leaves you a lot of space to be creative.

To see the colour of blackbutt for yourself, you can view a sample of our blackbutt internal flooring or cladding online or book a showroom appointment to see it in person.

Is blackbutt a hardwood or softwood?

Blackbutt is a hardwood. The trees used to produce hardwood timber tend to be slow-growing, which means the wood is usually dense and strong, although blackbutt takes less time to reach maturity than other varieties. Hardwoods can be used for anything from structural elements to warm interiors, natural exteriors, and show-stopping flooring, which makes blackbutt a popular choice.

Where does blackbutt timber come from?

Blackbutt timber is typically grown in the coastal regions of Queensland and New South Wales. As a fun fact, it’s actually used on the flooring of Parliament House in Canberra. It’s not only beautiful, as you would expect, but also versatile and durable. Blackbutt flooring is a great way to add a uniquely Australian touch to your renovation, and create a space you can enjoy for many years to come.

What are the environmental benefits of using Australian Blackbutt timber?

Australian Blackbutt timber flooring offers several environmental benefits due to its unique properties and sustainable sourcing practices. Here are some of the key environmental benefits of using Australian Blackbutt timber flooring:

Sustainable sourcing: Australian Blackbutt timber flooring from Havwoods comes from responsibly managed and sustainably harvested forests. Timber suppliers in Australia adhere to strict regulations and certification standards to ensure that the timber is sourced in an environmentally responsible manner. This helps protect native forests, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity.

Carbon sequestration: Trees, including those used to produce Blackbutt timber, naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their growth phase. When the timber is used in construction and flooring, it acts as a carbon sink, helping to lock away carbon for an extended period. This contributes to reducing the net carbon emissions in the atmosphere, mitigating climate change. Read more about timber and sustainability here.

Low embodied energy: The production of Blackbutt timber requires relatively low energy compared to other building materials like concrete or steel. This low embodied energy means that the environmental impact of manufacturing the timber is reduced, resulting in a lower carbon footprint for the product.

Low processing chemicals: Compared to some synthetic flooring options, Australian Blackbutt timber flooring involves minimal chemical processing during production. This reduces the potential release of harmful chemicals into the environment, promoting healthier indoor air quality.

Renewable resource: Australian Blackbutt is a renewable resource, as long as it is responsibly harvested and replanted. Proper management ensures that the forest's regrowth can keep up with the rate of harvesting, making Blackbutt timber a sustainable choice for flooring materials. Find out more about timber and sustainability.

Aesthetic durability: Blackbutt timber is known for its durability and resistance to wear, making it a long-lasting flooring option. Its ability to withstand wear and tear reduces the need for frequent replacements, leading to less waste over time.

What is Australian blackbutt timber used for?

Blackbutt is a dream to use in renovations, because it incorporates neutral tones that tie the outside and inside of your home together seamlessly. It doesn’t matter whether you live at the coast, the mountains, the leafy suburbs of a capital city, the country, or even the outback. It’s highly sought after for flooring, in particular, but it’s incredibly versatile. The best thing about it is that the colours vary from yellows to browns and pinks, which leaves you a lot of room to be creative with your colour scheme. Blackbutt can also be stained, painted or polished to achieve the look you desire. It’s a great way to add texture and a relaxing sense of earthiness to your interior design project.

Is Australian blackbutt timber good for flooring?

We love using blackbutt as part of our engineered timber flooring, because it’s a great way to tie the beautiful Australian tones into your home. We recommend using engineered timber, for maximum durability, because it’s very low-maintenance and exceptionally well-suited to variable Australian conditions. It connects through a click system with a matt lacquered finish. It’s ideal for residential use and suitable for floating over underlay to create a delightfully light, airy, and natural effect. Find out more about engineered timber.

Where can Australian blackbutt flooring be used?

No matter how you wish to decorate, blackbutt engineered timber flooring is a great finishing touch to tie it all together. Its durable nature makes it Havwood’s ideal choice for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, living rooms, and hallways. However, it can also freshen up bedrooms and modernise offices. It has a light and bright feel that you can accentuate with furniture, lamps, plants, and other accessories, to create a sanctuary-like feel inside your house. Blackbutt lends itself especially well to airy spaces, perfect for entertaining your family and friends.

What is the average lifespan of engineered Australian Blackbutt timber flooring?

The average lifespan of engineered Australian Blackbutt timber flooring can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the product, the level of maintenance, and the amount of foot traffic it receives. However, in general, well-maintained engineered timber flooring can last between 20 to 30 years or more.

How do I clean Australian blackbutt timber floors?

One of the best things about choosing blackbutt timber for your floors is that it’s very hard-wearing. Often, a simple sweep or vacuum will do the trick. However, if you are looking to clean up spills or remove stains, it’s best to clean your floors with a well-wrung mop with a pH neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive materials or chemical products to protect the finish and ensure it stays in tip-top condition.

Do termites eat Australian Blackbutt?

Blackbutt Timber is known for its natural termite resistance, making it a popular choice in areas prone to termite activity. However, while Blackbutt is more resistant to termites compared to some other timbers, it is not completely immune. Proper maintenance and treatment can further enhance its durability against termite attacks.

Can you paint Australian Blackbutt Timber?

Yes, Blackbutt Timber can be painted, although its natural colour and grain are often showcased through finishes like staining, lacquer or oiling. If you choose to paint Blackbutt, ensure that the timber is well-prepared and primed to help the paint adhere properly and provide a lasting finish. Proper sealing is also essential to protect it from moisture and enhance its longevity.

Havwoods Australian Blackbutt products are finished to perfection with a durable matt lacquer that enhances and protects the natural warmth, characteristics and texture of this beautiful Australian timber.

Where’s the best place to buy blackbutt timber?

If you’re looking for lovingly engineered blackbutt timber to use for the flooring inside your home, consider speaking to the friendly and helpful team at Havwoods. Our staff members are committed to quality, with more than 40 years of experience in sourcing the very finest engineered timber flooring and cladding to provide products that are not just fit-for-purpose, but exquisite.

Transform your interior with an Australian Blackbutt engineered timber floor

If you’d like to welcome the warm, earthy aesthetic of the Australian outback into your interior, perhaps an engineered timber floor made from Blackbutt is the answer.

Explore our Australian Collection including Australian Blackbutt planks and herringbone and order free flooring samples online. If you would like assistance with your selection or have any questions, get in touch with our friendly team today.

You can see our Australian Collection products in person at your local Havwoods Showroom. Book an appointment today.