The Inherent Quality of Native Australian Timbers

At Ross Thompson Furniture, we are passionate about showcasing the beauty and quality of native Australian timbers. We believe that by sourcing such timbers, we can contribute to the sustainable sourcing solutions of furniture materials, while also showcasing the most stunning expression through the aesthetic of our native timbers. 

Here is a rundown of the key timbers used within our products.

Tasmanian Myrtle.

Endemic to the temperate rainforest of Tasmania and eastern Victoria, Tasmanian Myrtle is known for its vibrant and dynamic colour tones, with the myrtle used for commercial purposes showcasing a deeper red finish. It is believed that the richness of the colour is a result of the soil that the myrtle grows in. 

Myrtle also acts as an excellent veneer. When polished, Myrtle displays a deep lustre; a key driver for its popularity amongst furniture makers and designers. The sheen of the timber allows for a high-quality veneer for an array of purposes, including home construction and interior decor. 

Myrtle is also an excellent resource for smaller craft projects, with the natural timber burls and knots being a centrepiece for spindle turning and bowls. 

Tasmanian Myrtle has been utilised in the detailed tenon joinery of our Liquor Cabinet.

Blackwood.

Blackwood is grown in south-eastern Australia and has become one of the more popular commercial hardwoods in the country. A favourable timber for furniture making, Blackwood’s striking appearance, radiant lustre and strong workability makes it well-suited to a range of joinery and finishing options. The timber’s sapwood (i.e. the outer section of the trunk’s cross-section) is an off-white, yellow colour, with the heartwood (i.e. the core ring of the trunk’s cross-section) contrasting with a rich golden brown. The growth rings of the timber sometimes complement the timber with streaks of darker browns and reds. 

One can find Blackwood used for a swathe of interior applications from furniture to flooring, joinery to veneers and more. The striking aesthetic and workability of the timber makes it conducive for interior purposes, but is not well suited for exterior applications. 

In addition to it’s unique style and quality, Blackwood is known for it’s versatility, and can be used for the building of solid designs, along with more delicate purposes, such as veneers. Due to this, one can find Blackwood across a range of functions, including constructing cabinets, building musical instruments and laying flooring. 

Blackwood is used throughout the design of the Chest of Drawers (including the hand dove-tailed joins. Blackwood is also used as the primary timber of the Easy Chair with upholstery (available in multiple seating options).

Blackheart Sassafras.

Also known as ‘Tasmanian Sassafras’, Blackheart Sassafras gets its name from the dark brown or green streaks that are often found throughout the heart of the wood. Such streaks result from tensions experienced by the tree (such as extreme weather conditions), in which fungus grows throughout the timber and stains it. This is of no detriment, as the stains become the unique feature of the timber; a key reason for its popularity.

Blackheart Sassafras is one of the most abundant species in Tasmania’s rainforest, and can even be found as far north as the central coast of New South Wales. Sassafras trees are sustainably sourced, with most trees being found in forests that are certified to the Australian Forest Certification Scheme. This means that the Sassafras species is rarely cultivated, and has limited availability; hence its scarcity and popularity amongst woodworkers.

In terms of workability, Blackheart Sassafras is favoured for its solid yet light quality, lending itself to a range of purposes, including veneers, joinery and woodturning. In addition to furniture, Blackheart Sassafras is also used for crafting musical instruments and decorative pieces, as the dynamic character of the timber creates an extremely unique and distinctive appearance.

Tasmanian Blackheart Sassafras has been employed as a stunning veneer for the Gentleman’s Robe.

Huon Pine.

Regarded as the prince of Tasmanian timbers, Huon Pine is one of the more prized timbers of Australia. Huon Pine contains natural oils, which provides an unmistakable aroma that is unique to the timber. The durability and workability of Huon Pine have resulted in the favourable use by a wide range of timber craftsmen. 

Huon Pine can be found alongside Tasmanian river banks and lakes, with each tree growing to a height of around 30m, and a diameter of 1m. There are many ancient Huon Pines, some of which are approximately one thousand years old. The early tree fellers (also known as the ‘Piners’), used to trek through the thick wilderness of the Tasmanian coast in order to harvest and haul out the Huon Pine. Due to its durability, Huon Pine timber was used for anything and everything. The supply of Huon Pine is carefully monitored, with the majority of Huon Pine forests being reserved. Given that, there is about 500m3 of Huon Pine provided to woodwork and furniture making industries across the next fifty years. 

Huon Pine is a beautifully rich timber, exemplifying a golden hue that makes it favourable for furniture and veneer applications. The timber is well regarded for its workability, with the fine-grain harmonising with the intent of the craftsman

Huon Pine is used for the Handles and Feet Caps of the Tambour Cabinet, along with being integrated into the design of the Liquor Cabinet.