WA Blackbutt The Rolls Royce of Timbers

Why consider WA Blackbutt?

There are lots of types of Blackbutt timber used in Australia. These include NSW types known as Coastal Blackbutt, Inland Blackbutt & Highland Blackbutt. These timbers grow in lime rich soils in conditions that are hard on the trees. These conditions result in the hard, springy timbers that are collectively known as NSW Blackbutt. The timber is not the most stable timber, which is why it must be handled with care. As you go wider, you must go thicker. Some companies won’t even install a 19mm NSW Blackbutt over concrete due to its lack of stability. We overcame the difficulties but always handle Blackbutt from NSW with extra care.

For a long time the Rolls Royce of timbers was regarded as WA Blackbutt. Given the choice between the two, most people chose the WA variety. Why? The WA version is as hard as Jarrah, the grain and colors are richer, the timber is much better to sand and finish and it’s face is less prone to cracking. [One of the major reasons people didn’t like the NSW variety was its tendency to crack.]

When the WA Blackbutt became less available, people turned to the NSW variety. The market had to adjust to using the NSW variety by default.

Recently more of the WA version has become available. Because it is less springy, it can be made in a much better range of sizes including going to 125mm & 130mm wide at just 14mm thickness. Such a thickness is perfect for adjoining floor coverings in a house where tiles or carpet are rarely higher than 14mm.

Blackbutt timbers are chosen for their lightness of color. With the tendency towards big open room's becoming a general trend & the use of much larger windows in house design, people have tended towards wanting a more open look in the house. In Western Australia the timber of choice for flooring for many years was Jarrah which of course is a dark red and brown timber. It has a richness of grain that makes it a popular timber prized throughout the world. In Western Australia we are very fortunate to have access to such a good supply of this rich hardwood. But due to the fact that it is somewhat darker in appearance, people have wanted to go to something with lighter tones while retaining the warmth and beauty of a hardwood. This is where Blackbutt has become a firm favorite. With the Western Australian timber there is a richness in the tone that is not found in the eastern state variation and this has proven to be very popular. Whereas the New South Wales variety tends towards pale colors and pinks, the Western Australian variety tends towards pale colors and light browns and gold.

At VCS we are delighted to offer the full range of grades and sizes in WA Blackbutt. It is also available in all Grades. The timber is from fully managed forest resources.

We are offering 12mm & 14mm Sizes.

80 x 12           Feature

80 x 12           Standard & Better

105 x 12         Feature

105 x 12         Standard & Better

130 x 14         Feature

130 x 14         Standard & Better