Forest Red Gum
Scientific name: Eucalyptus tereticornis
Overview
Forest Red Gum is a dense and durable Australian eucalyptus species widely used in structural, exterior, and heavy-wear applications. Native to eastern Australia, it is valued for its strength, decay resistance, and rich reddish-brown coloration.
It is often used in bridge timbers, decking, flooring, and structural framing. Within the Oceania cluster, Forest Red Gum represents the classic red-toned structural eucalyptus.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Forest Red Gum
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus tereticornis
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia & Southeast Asia)
- Tree Size: 100–180 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,100 lbf
- Color: Pale pink to deep reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Forest Red Gum is identified by its red to reddish-brown heartwood and moderately coarse texture. The grain may be straight or display typical eucalyptus interlocking.
Compared to Jarrah, it is often lighter and slightly less dense. Compared to Grey Gum, it is more distinctly red in tone.
Key identification traits include:
- Red to reddish-brown coloration
- Medium to coarse texture
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Heavy weight
- Strong structural character
Working Properties
Forest Red Gum machines well for a dense hardwood.
- Moderate tool wear
- Carbide tooling recommended
- Pre-drilling recommended
- Sands and finishes effectively
Proper seasoning improves dimensional stability.
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Respiratory protection is recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Forest Red Gum common uses including:
- Structural beams
- Decking
- Flooring
- Bridge timbers
- Exterior posts
- Heavy construction
Sustainability & Notes
Forest Red Gum is harvested under Australian forestry management systems and remains widely available for structural use.
It fills the red structural hardwood niche within the Oceania category.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
River Red Gum – A closely related eucalyptus species known for its strength and durability, commonly used in heavy construction and outdoor applications.
Spotted Gum – A strong Australian hardwood widely used in flooring and structural applications, typically more stable and easier to machine.
Red Ironbark – A very dense hardwood known for its exceptional strength and durability, often harder and heavier than forest red gum.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color variation helps distinguish eucalyptus hardwoods used in construction and flooring.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and strength of hardwood species.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Proper drying and acclimation help maintain stability and reduce movement in hardwood lumber used in structural and flooring applications.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Forest Red Gum is an important reference species within an Australian hardwood collection due to its strong red coloration and structural density. Flat-sawn samples best display its tone and grain character. Thin labeled blocks are recommended to reduce collection weight while preserving representation.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
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• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
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• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
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