Black butt as it is popularly known is a pale brown colored wood with pink highlights. The grain of Black butt is mostly straight and although the sapwood is paler than the heartwood, it has a medium and even texture throughout the surface which makes it suitable for use in building various types of wooden structures.

Major advantages of Black butt are lack of sapwood susceptibility to Lyctid borer attack as well as resistance of heartwood to termites and marine borer infestation.  The stunning good looks and rugged durability of Black butt wood will last a long time regardless of the purpose it is used for.Natural Durability Rating of any lumber species indicates the timber’s resistance to attack by insects and fungi that can destroy the entire wood, a little at a time.

Timber Attributes of Black Butt:

Janka rating – Dry: Hard (7.1 – 10.0)
May surface check on the tangential when dried
May widen any existing surface checks when reconditioned
Poor base for most varieties of paints
Rates “fair” in the operation of steam bending
Can be stained easily using many popular finishes
Phenol based adhesive may be used on young regrowth
Structural Plywood may also be made using young regrowth

Black butt applications include:

Decking
Flooring
Building framework
Furniture
Sleepers
Cladding
Joinery