Eucalyptus (most likely Blue Gum or River Red Gum)
Eucalyptus globulus / Eucalyptus camaldulensis • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain with significant fibrous texture; likely to show wavy figure if milled.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pinkish-brown to deep reddish-brown with age; sapwood is pale yellow. Visible surface shows weathered grey-brown oxidation on bark and cambium layers.
Hardness Rating
1125 lbf to 2300 lbf depending on specific sub-species (Medium to Very Hard classification).
Durability Rating
Rated as Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects.
Common Uses
Heavy construction, flooring, fuel wood (heavy firewood), high-oil content essential oils, and rustic furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to Australia; widely planted in California, Africa, South America, and Southern Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $8.00 per board foot for lumber; sold primarily as firewood or pulp wood in raw log form.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut to 1 year; wood chips are light in color (not yet oxidized) while bark shows recent harvesting marks.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; generally considered Invasive in some regions (like California) but commercially sustainable in plantations.
Workability
Difficult; high density and interlocked grain cause significant tearout during planing and dull machine blades rapidly.
Notable Features
Distinct medicinal scent when cut due to cineole oils; high moisture content when green leads to significant warping and checking during drying.
Finish Recommendations
High-solids oils or urethanes; the wood's high density and natural oils make penetration difficult for some stains.
Identification Confidence
Medium-Low; identifying wood from a raw, un-milled log with damaged bark is difficult, but the stringy bark texture and color of the wood chips are indicative of Eucalyptus.