Australian Hardwood Durability Ratings

Where no data exist to confirm an above ground rating a provisional above ground rating.

Australian hardwood durability ratings.

As 5604 2005 timber natural durability ratings standards australia 2005 3 https. Upwards of 2 20 per square foot for engineered hardwood compared to upwards of 3 40 per square foot for solid. Better still it s competitively priced compared to solid hardwood flooring. If you ve already started reviewing your options in the hardwood flooring market then you ll be well aware that engineered hardwood flooring is an increasingly popular product.

The janka hardness scale is a test used to determine the hardness and density of a hardwood timber and bamboo floor. The durability rating of a species is based on the natural ability of the heartwood of that species to resist decay and insect pests including termites. With a top rating for durability for above ground use and a high strength rating blackbutt wood is a long lasting option for decking. The rating system used in as 5604 2005 timber natural durability ratings is based on the average life range in years of test specimens of sound untreated heartwood 35 mm x 35 mm for the above ground tests and 50 mm x 50 mm for the in ground trials.

The range is from class 1 25 50 years in ground life to class 4 1 8 years in ground life. As 5604 timber natural durability ratings and as 1604 timber preservative treatment provide guidance on durability requirements for a range of in ground and above ground applications. Timber species strength durability rating tallowwood f17 f34 class 1 blackbutt f17 f34 class 1 ironbark f22 f42 class 1 spotted gum f17 f34 class 1 blue gum f14 f24 class 2 forest red gum. This is done by testing the floor s resistance by measuring how much pressure is needed to embed an 11 28 millimetre ballbearing halfway into the boards surface.

The durability rating is expressed as one of four classes and is based on in ground field trials of heartwood. Durability rating of heartwood above ground 2 class 3 class 3 class 3. Australian hardwood timbers are among some of the world s hardest by the internationally recognised and uiversally adopted janka hardness ratings. Class 1 means that timber is projected to last for 50 years in a fully protected area and 50 years outside above the ground.

Just as some people have the genetics that allow them to run fast jump high run long distances or bench press heavy weights species of timber also have genetic dispositions that allow them to. Class 1 timber durability class 1 is the highest durability rating. Other factors such as blackbutt being weather bushfire and termite resistant also play into it being considered one of the best australian hardwoods for decking.