What Timber Species Should I Specify For External Timber Claddings or Internal Timber Linings?
What is the difference between timber species
At Modinex we offer a large range of timber species, those being softwoods and hardwoods. Softwood timber cladding is known for being very stable and structurally sound. Common species of softwoods are Western Red Cedar, Hemlock, & Alaskan Cedar. Hardwoods offer a greater BAL rating however are more prone to movement throughout the seasons. More information on our range of timber species can be found at our website. Below we look at the different between some one the common Australian harwoods.
What are Tasmanian Oak claddings & linings?
Tasmanian Oak is a timber species sourced from three eucalypt species native to Tasmania, Australia: Eucalyptus delegatensis, Eucalyptus obliqua, and Eucalyptus regnans. These three species are collectively known as “Mountain Ash” or “Victorian Ash” on the mainland of Australia.
Tasmanian Oak timber claddings are highly valued for its versatility, durability, and attractive appearance. It’s commonly used in manufacturing external claddings and linings. Tasmanian Oak has a Group 3 internal fire rating or Group1 if Fireshield intumescent coatings is applied. Tasmanian Oak cladding is normally used internally due to its lower class rating. Tasmanian Oak is classified as a hardwood species.
What are Victorian Ash claddings & 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 color 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. 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.
What are Spotted Gum claddings & linings?
Spotted Gum is a type of hardwood tree native to Australia commonly used for external timber claddings and internal timber linings. Spotted Gum belongs to the genus Corymbia and Eucalyptus. It’s primarily found along the east coast of Australia, spanning from northeastern Victoria through New South Wales and into southeastern Queensland.
Spotted Gum timber is highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. Spotted Gum makes and excellent external caldding. It typically has a distinctive grain pattern with colors ranging from pale brown to dark chocolate brown, often featuring characteristic spots caused by insect activity. The timber is renowned for its natural resistance to decay, termites, and fire, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor and indoor applications.
Spotted Gum 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.
What are Blackbutt claddings & linings?
Blackbutt is another type of hardwood tree native to Australia, belonging to the genus Eucalyptus. Blackbutt is used commonly for external timber claddings due to its density and fire rating. It’s commonly found along the east coast of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. The name “Blackbutt” refers to the darkened appearance of the tree’s trunk resulting from fire damage or insect activity.
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.
