Red Ironbark
Scientific name: Eucalyptus sideroxylon
Overview
Red Ironbark is one of the densest and most durable Australian hardwoods. Native primarily to eastern Australia, it is known for its exceptional hardness, structural strength, and deep red-brown coloration.
The name “Ironbark” refers to the tree’s extremely hard, furrowed bark and the timber’s high density. Red Ironbark has historically been used in heavy construction, railway sleepers, bridge timbers, and outdoor structural applications where durability is critical.
Its weight and hardness place it among the toughest commercial hardwoods in Australia.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Red Ironbark
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus sideroxylon
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia – eastern regions)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 66 lbs/ft³ (1,060 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,000 lbf
- Color: Dark red to reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Red Ironbark is identified by its deep red to dark brown heartwood and coarse texture. The grain is often interlocked or irregular, contributing to a strong, rugged appearance rather than decorative refinement.
The wood is noticeably heavy for its size and has a dense, solid feel when handled.
Key identification traits include:
- Very dark red-brown coloration
- Coarse texture
- Interlocked or irregular grain
- Extremely heavy weight
- Structural appearance
Working Properties
Red Ironbark is very difficult to machine due to its density.
- Significant tool wear
- Carbide tooling required
- Pre-drilling essential for fasteners
- Can cause tear-out
- Glues adequately when properly prepared
Because of its hardness, it is more commonly used for structural rather than fine furniture applications.
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Due to the density of the wood, machining generates fine dust; proper respiratory protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Red Ironbark common uses including:
- Railway sleepers
- Bridge timbers
- Heavy construction
- Outdoor posts and beams
- Marine applications
- Utility poles
Sustainability & Notes
Red Ironbark is harvested under Australian forestry regulations. Availability is more limited compared to more widely planted Australian hardwoods. Its density and durability make it highly valued in structural markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Jarrah – A dense Australian hardwood known for its durability and use in flooring and outdoor construction, generally less dense than ironbark.
Spotted Gum – A strong eucalyptus hardwood commonly used in structural applications and flooring, typically lighter and more workable than ironbark.
Tallowwood – A durable Australian hardwood valued for its resistance to moisture and use in decking and exterior construction.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Red Ironbark ranks among the hardest commercial hardwoods documented in this library.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Proper acclimation is critical due to density and weight.
How to Identify Hardwood by Grain Pattern
This guide explains how coarse texture and interlocked grain influence machining behavior.
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
Red Ironbark is primarily collected for density representation rather than figure. Its deep red-brown coloration and extreme hardness make it an important reference species in a documented wood collection. Because the texture is coarse and the grain often interlocked or irregular, it does not typically display dramatic decorative figure, but it stands out for weight and structural character.
When cataloging, note its substantial heft relative to size — small samples feel unusually heavy compared to most hardwoods. Clean, flat-sawn samples best demonstrate its uniform dark tone and coarse texture. Due to its density, thinner labeled sample blocks are recommended to reduce overall collection weight while still representing the species accurately.
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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.
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