Spotted Gum
Scientific name: Corymbia maculata
Overview
Spotted Gum is one of Australia’s most commercially important native hardwoods. Known for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain character, it is widely used in structural construction, flooring, decking, and exterior applications.
The name “Spotted Gum” refers to the tree’s bark pattern rather than the wood itself. The timber ranges from light brown to chocolate brown with occasional olive or reddish undertones. Its high density and durability make it suitable for demanding environments.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Spotted Gum
- Scientific Name: Corymbia maculata
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia – eastern regions)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 60 lbs/ft³ (960 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,470 lbf
- Color: Light brown to dark brown with olive or gray tones, often with a mottled appearance
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Spotted Gum is identified by its varied brown tones and moderately coarse texture. The heartwood may show subtle color variation within a single board. Grain is usually straight but may display mild interlocking.
The wood develops a moderate natural luster when finished and often shows subtle gum veins or darker streaking.
Key identification traits include:
- Broad brown color range
- Medium-to-coarse texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Heavy weight
- Strong structural appearance
Working Properties
Spotted Gum is dense and durable but workable with proper tooling.
- Machines cleanly with sharp carbide tools
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Moderate blunting effect on tools
- Sands well
- Accepts finishes evenly
Because of its strength and durability, it performs well in flooring and exterior construction.
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard protective measures are recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Spotted Gum common uses including:
- Structural framing
- Heavy construction
- Exterior decking
- Flooring
- Cladding
- Railway sleepers
- Marine applications
Sustainability & Notes
Spotted Gum is harvested under Australian forestry regulations and is available from both native forests and plantation sources. It remains one of the more stable and commercially available Australian hardwoods.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Yellow Birch – A North American birch species with similar appearance but generally greater density and strength, commonly used in furniture and cabinetry.
Paper Birch – Another North American birch known for its light color and use in plywood, veneer, and light woodworking applications.
European Beech – A fine-textured hardwood often used in furniture and cabinetry, typically denser and more uniform in grain than birch.
Related Guides
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Spotted Gum ranks among the harder commercial hardwoods, making it suitable for heavy-wear flooring and decking.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Proper acclimation improves long-term flooring performance.
How to Identify Hardwood by Grain Pattern
This guide helps distinguish straight-grain structural hardwoods from decorative figured species.
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
Spotted Gum is less commonly collected for figure and more often documented for structural density. Sample blocks show moderate texture and solid coloration. Pieces with darker streaking or gum veins may be of added interest for wood libraries.
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.
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