Sydney Blue Gum
| Scientific Name: | Eucalyptus Saligna |
| Other names: | Blue Gum |
Sydney Blue Gum is a large tall Eucalyptus that can grow to height of 65 metres with a trunk diameter to 2.5 metres. The trunk is usually straight with rough dark brown-grey bark at the base extending up into a smooth blue-grey and white bark. The Blue Gum has also been known to live for upwards of 200 years.
Distribution
Commonly occurring native hardwood found in the coastal areas of New South Wales and South East Queensland, typically between Sydney in the south and Maryborough on the northern end. It is also extensively grown in plantations in South Africa and South America, due to the comparable climate conditions. The rapid growth plantation timber found here is generally of a lower density than the more mature Australian material.
Texture
Sydney Blue Gum has a moderately course and even grain, and is generally straight or slightly interlocked. Gum veins are common.
Appearance
Heartwood ranges in colour from dark pink to reddish brown, the sapwood is a distinctive lighter colour. The tree can reach heights of up to 65 metres at their tallest, with a smooth, straight trunk. The base will include some persistent dark brown bark, which gives way to smooth blue-grey and white as the tree extends higher.
Properties
Sydney Blue Gum is a moderately durable hardwood timber with natural durability rating of class 2 above ground and class 3 inground. Untreated sapwood is susceptible to Lyctid borer. It has a Janka hardness rating of 9. Shrinkage is high at 5% radial and 9% tangential. Timber dries easily, but tangential surfaces are prone to surface checking, heart centre wood is inclined to split badly. BAL rating up to 19.
Application
Sydney Blue Gum is easy to work, machine and fix. Responds well to most finishes and polishes, making it a desirable choice for decorative applications. Sydney Blue Gum is a good general construction timber and because of its hardness is widely used for flooring. Other common uses are cladding, panelling, furniture, joinery, decking, boatbuilding, fencing and landscaping. The Sydney Blue Gum is also easier to dry than some other Eucalypts, making it easier to work with in some cases.
Where is Sydney Blue Gum grown?
Sydney Blue Gum is found in the coastal areas of New South Wales and South East Queensland.
Colourtone Results
All pictures shown are of real timber samples of the selected species. Each sample was coated with 2 coats of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 (including Colourtone) at single or double strength. The timber sample picture labelled “CLEAR” has been included to show the original colour of the timber for your ease of reference.
Colourtone swatches are shown below in groups of Brown Hues, Red Hues, Yellow Hues and White/Black Hues.
Please note that the colour, species, age and condition of your timber to be coated will impact the final colour and finish of all CUTEK® products. The colourtones on the CUTEK® website are representative only and may look different when applied to your specific timber project.
Always obtain a to assess your colour choice and product suitability for use on your actual timber BEFORE proceeding with your project.
Single Strength
Clear
Single Strength
Double Strength
Sela Brown
Single Strength
Double Strength
New Bronzetone
Single Strength
Double Strength
Burnt Ash
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Double Strength
Walnut
Single Strength
Double Strength
Cedartone
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Double Strength
Autumntone
Single Strength
Double Strength
Burnt Red
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Double Strength
Merbau
Single Strength
Double Strength
Light Oak
Single Strength
Double Strength
Goldtone
Single Strength
Double Strength
Honeycomb
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Double Strength
Rustic Gold
Single Strength
Double Strength
White Wash
Single Strength
Double Strength
Grey Mist
Single Strength
Double Strength
Smokey Grey
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Double Strength