Builders are increasingly turning to Tasmanian Oak for its ability to deliver an exceptionally high quality of finish. Its surfaces are true and clean with an even end-grain, it holds edges well and is readily worked to a smooth, lustrous surface. Most finishes adhere very well, and, if needed, it takes a stain beautifully.
Another defining feature of Tasmanian Oak is its stability. ‘It will do what timber does, so if you subject it to extremes, like any timber, it will react – but by and large it’s very stable.’
Michael adds that thanks to the stringent quality assurance procedures on Tasmanian timbers, all product coming from the state’s major suppliers enters the national marketplace at the right moisture content, with the right quality and grade. For the end user, this translates to a reliable, predictable material that eliminates the guesswork that can sometimes occur when working with timber.
‘It does exactly what you think it’s going to do,’ he says. ‘It just sits nicely, it’s less prone to internal and surface checking, so it’s a very consistent product.’
Historically, Tasmanian Oak has been the preferred choice for flooring in Australian homes, and chances are we’
Tasmanian oak
Tasmanian oak[1] is a native Australian hardwood produced by any of three trees, Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus obliqua or Eucalyptus delegatensis, when it is sourced from the Australian state of Tasmania.[2] Despite the common name "oak", none of the species are in the genus Quercus or the oak family Fagaceae.
The hardwood timber is light-coloured, ranging from straw to light reddish brown.[1] It is used in construction, including panelling and flooring, for furniture, and also for reconstituted board and high quality paper.[1]
When sourced from Victoria, the wood of Eucalyptus regnans and Eucalyptus delegatensis is called Victorian ash.[citation needed]
The species are also widely known by their common names. Eucalyptus obliqua is known as stringybark or messmate, Eucalyptus regnans is known as mountain ash, and the closely related Eucalyptus delegatensis is known as alpine ash or woollybutt.[citation needed]
References
[edit]By Karryn & Dean
Tasmanian Oak // Illustration by Beth Emily for IN-TERIA
Also known as Victorian Ash, Mountain Ash, Alpine Ash, Gum-topped Stringybark, Australian Oak, Whitetop Stringybark, White-top, Woollybutt, Blue Leaf, and Mountain White Gum.
Tasmanian Oak refers to the hardwood produced by three trees - Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptusobliqua or Eucalyptusdelegatensis - when it is sourced from Tasmania.
These species grow in the mountainous areas of Tasmania, Victoria and south-east NSW. E. delegatensis occurs at higher altitudes, while E. regnans is found in wetter sites; E. obliqua has a wide distribution, occurring in wet forests but extending into drier areas. When sourced in Victoria, E. regnans and E. delegatensis are known as Victorian Ash.
The species are also widely known by their common names. E. obliqua is known as stringybark or messmate, E. regnans is known as mountain ash, and the closely related E. delegatensis is known as alpine ash or woollybutt. E. regnansare the tallest flowing tree in the world. They grow to m and produce clusters of creamy white (hermaphrodite) flowers.
Out of interest, Eucalyptus is fr
Tasmanian Oak (Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus obliqua and Eucalyptus delegatensis), as the name suggests, is a common Tasmanian hardwood. Favoured by just about everyone because it is easy to work (generally), is strong, looks good and looks ever better with age.
Notice that there are three species of tree lumped in together and classified as Tas Oak. This is because the timber in each species is very similar to the others; in looks, workability and strength. The most notable of the three is the mighty Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus regnans); it is the world&#;s tallest flowering plant and second only in height to the Californian Redwood &#; and if it wasn&#;t for overenthusiastic logging in the late &#;s would be classified as the world&#;s tallest tree. Newspaper reports from the time describe logs measuring over yards long &#; which would have made those trees way taller than the Redwood.
Like all Eucalypts, they suffer the effects of fire, but where most Eucalypts regenerate, the Swamp Gum dies. In the temperate rainforests of Tasmania the trees can grow without ever being touched by fire (just too damn wet). So the trees can grow to an enormous size and live to a very old age &
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