New England Blackbutt Overlay Flooring

New England Blackbutt is a beautiful mid brown with a consistent complexion that looks great for flooring. The common name Blackbutt came about due to the tree’s appearance after bushfire, whereby the buttress – or butt – was significantly darkened. New England Blackbutt is a hardwood timber from the New South Wales coastal and Tablelands areas and from southern Queensland, whereas the coastal species is referred to as Blackbutt. The timber is pale brown, the grain is usually straight with an even texture, so is very similar in appearance to Blackbutt.

Blackbutt’s  appearance is pale brown with a faint tinge of pink when freshly cut. Sometimes the sapwood is indistinguishable from the heartwood but usually it is slightly paler in colour. The durability above ground is Class 1 – life expectancy over 40 years. Durability in-ground is Class 2 – life expectancy 15 to 25 years. Sapwood is not susceptible to lyctine borer attack. Blackbutt is termite resistant.

Blackbutt will readily accept paint, stain and polish. High tannin and extractives content can result in staining of painted surfaces exposed to the weather.

Blackbutt provides good fire resistance and is one of seven hardwood timber species that was found to be suitable by the Building Commission in Victoria for home construction in bushfire areas (provided it has a thickness greater than 18mm).

A strong, durable hardwood, Blackbutt can be used for a range of structural, exterior and interior applications including  decking and flooring.

Blackbutt is excellent when used as unseasoned, sawn timber in general house framing, fascia and barge boards and as seasoned dressed cladding, internal and external flooring, lining and joinery. It is also good in fencing, landscaping, retaining walls, internal quality furniture, outdoor furniture, and parquetry. Blackbutt is very durable and hard wearing with a Janka rating at 9.1