Jarrah
Scientific name: Eucalyptus marginata
Overview
Jarrah is one of Australia’s most recognized native hardwoods, known for its deep red coloration, exceptional durability, and high density. Native to Western Australia, it has been used historically in heavy structural applications, railway sleepers, marine environments, and premium flooring.
Its rich color deepens with age, and its interlocked grain can produce subtle visual movement, making it appealing both structurally and aesthetically.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Jarrah
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus marginata
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Western Australia)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 52 lbs/ft³ (835 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,910 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to deep burgundy brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Jarrah is best identified by its rich red heartwood, ranging from brick red to deep burgundy brown. The tone typically darkens with oxidation and UV exposure. The grain is often interlocked, occasionally producing ribbon effects on quartersawn surfaces. Texture is moderately coarse, and the wood develops a natural luster when finished.
Key identification traits include:
- Deep red-brown heartwood
- Noticeable interlocked grain
- Medium-to-coarse texture
- Heavy weight for its size
- Strong natural sheen when finished
Working Properties
Jarrah is dense and demanding on tooling.
- Prone to tear-out due to interlocked grain
- Requires sharp carbide cutters
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Sands smoothly but may benefit from grain filling
- Glues reliably when surfaces are properly prepared
Because of its hardness, machining should be deliberate and controlled.
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Jarrah common uses including:
- Structural beams
- Railway sleepers
- Marine construction
- Decking
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Slab tables
Sustainability & Notes
Jarrah forests are regulated under Australian forestry management systems. Historic overharvesting reduced old-growth stands, but modern harvesting is controlled and certified. Export availability varies.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Tallowwood – A durable Australian hardwood valued for its resistance to moisture and use in decking and exterior construction, generally lighter and less dense than Jarrah.
Spotted Gum – A strong and versatile hardwood commonly used in flooring and structural applications, typically lighter in color and easier to machine.
Red Ironbark – A very dense hardwood known for its exceptional strength and durability, often heavier and harder than Jarrah.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Jarrah ranks among the harder commercial hardwoods. This guide helps contextualize its 1,900+ lbf rating compared to other dense species like Jatoba and Ipe.
How to Identify Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Jarrah’s interlocked grain can create subtle ribbon effects. This guide explains how grain orientation affects appearance and machining.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Due to its density, proper acclimation is important when using Jarrah for flooring or interior applications to reduce movement over time.
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
Jarrah is a strong collector species due to its saturated red color and weight. Older material often shows deeper oxidation. Slabs with gum veins or subtle figure are particularly desirable. Because of its density, smaller labeled samples are ideal for organized wood libraries.
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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.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive.
In the future, visitors will be able to support the preservation of hardwood knowledge and global forest conservation through the Adopt a Species program.
A portion of contributions will help fund the continued expansion of this archive, while the majority will be donated to forest conservation organizations working to protect the ecosystems where these species grow.
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.
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