Eucalyptus Logs
Eucalyptus logs, like the trees they come from, exhibit a range of physical properties that make them unique and desirable for certain applications.
1. Density and Hardness
Eucalyptus wood is considered a hardwood and has a high density, which means it is heavy and strong. This density varies slightly between species but is typically in the range of 800–1,200 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter). The high density of eucalyptus logs makes them extremely durable and resistant to wear, which is one of the reasons they are so widely used in construction and furniture-making.
The hardness of eucalyptus wood can vary depending on the species, but in general, eucalyptus is harder than many other hardwoods such as oak or pine. This hardness makes the wood difficult to work with in terms of cutting and shaping but also results in a long-lasting product when used in finished goods.
2. Aromatic Oils
One of the defining characteristics of eucalyptus logs is the presence of volatile oils, particularly eucalyptus oil, which is released during the sawing or burning of the wood. This oil has a distinct menthol-like scent and is known for its therapeutic qualities, including antibacterial and antifungal properties. Although eucalyptus oil is primarily extracted from the leaves of the tree, the wood can also contribute to the aromatic experience when it is processed or burned.
3. Color and Grain
Eucalyptus wood is known for its pale to reddish-brown color, often with streaks or veins of darker brown or reddish hues. The grain of eucalyptus wood is typically interlocked, which gives the wood a unique appearance and makes it more resistant to splitting. The grain patterns are particularly sought after for decorative purposes in furniture-making, where the visual appeal of the wood plays an important role.
Varieties of Eucalyptus Logs
The genus Eucalyptus encompasses many different species, and each species has its own unique characteristics when it comes to the quality and use of its wood. Below are some of the most commonly used species of eucalyptus for timber production:
1. Eucalyptus Grandis (Flooded Gum)
Eucalyptus grandis, commonly known as flooded gum or white mahogany, is one of the largest species of eucalyptus trees and is widely cultivated for its timber. The wood of Eucalyptus grandis is light in color, ranging from pale pink to yellow-brown, and has a relatively straight grain. It is highly valued for furniture-making, flooring, and veneer production due to its workability and durability.
2. Eucalyptus Globulus (Blue Gum)
Eucalyptus globulus, commonly known as blue gum, is one of the most commercially important species of eucalyptus. It is particularly famous for its fast growth and ability to produce high-quality timber in a short amount of time. The wood is dense, strong, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for construction and pulp and paper production.
3. Eucalyptus Camaldulensis (River Red Gum)
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, or river red gum, is a species native to Australia that grows along rivers and watercourses. It has a strong, reddish-brown wood that is highly prized for its strength, making it ideal for furniture and structural applications. The wood is also resistant to water and pests, making it suitable for outdoor use.
4. Eucalyptus Saligna (Sydney Blue Gum)
Eucalyptus saligna, also known as Sydney blue gum, produces high-quality timber that is dense and strong. It is commonly used in the construction industry, particularly in beams and flooring. The wood has a pale yellow-brown to light reddish-brown color and a fine, interlocked grain, which gives it a desirable aesthetic for high-end applications.
Uses of Eucalyptus Logs
The hard, durable wood of eucalyptus logs has a wide range of applications across various industries. Below are some of the most common uses of eucalyptus logs:
1. Firewood
One of the most popular uses for eucalyptus logs is as firewood. Eucalyptus burns hot and produces a high amount of heat due to its dense and oily nature. It is commonly used in wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. When burned, eucalyptus wood has a distinct, pleasant aroma due to the natural oils it contains.
2. Construction and Structural Applications
Eucalyptus logs are highly valued in the construction industry for their strength, durability, and resistance to decay. The wood is commonly used for beams, flooring, and fencing. Its high density and resistance to termites make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor construction. The wood can also be used in structural framing and piling, where long-lasting and sturdy materials are required.
3. Furniture and Woodworking
The aesthetic appeal of eucalyptus logs, with their unique grain patterns and rich colors, makes them highly sought after for furniture-making. Eucalyptus wood is used in the production of tables, chairs, cabinets, and desks. Its durability and hardness make it an excellent material for furniture that needs to withstand heavy use.
In addition to furniture, eucalyptus wood is also used in the manufacture of veneers and paneling. The attractive grain patterns of the wood make it ideal for high-end woodworking projects.
4. Pulp and Paper Production
Due to its high cellulose content, eucalyptus wood is commonly used in the production of paper pulp. Eucalyptus trees, particularly species like Eucalyptus globulus, are grown in plantations for the specific purpose of providing raw material for the paper industry. The wood is fast-growing, which makes it an ideal renewable resource for paper production.
5. Essential Oils and Other Products
While the primary source of eucalyptus oil is the leaves of the tree, the logs and other parts of the tree also contain aromatic oils. These oils have medicinal properties and are commonly used in products like antiseptics, decongestants, and cleaning products. The wood itself can be processed into products like briquettes or charcoal, which are also used in various applications.
Environmental Considerations
While eucalyptus trees are highly prized for their wood, the cultivation and harvesting of eucalyptus have raised some environmental concerns, particularly in regions outside their native habitat. One of the main issues with eucalyptus plantations is their water consumption. Eucalyptus trees require significant amounts of water to grow, and in some areas, large-scale plantations have been blamed for depleting water resources and affecting local ecosystems.
Another environmental concern is the invasive nature of some eucalyptus species. In non-native regions, eucalyptus trees can outcompete local vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity and changes to the local environment. Furthermore, the planting of eucalyptus trees in large monocultures can limit genetic diversity and create conditions that are conducive to pest outbreaks.
Despite these concerns, eucalyptus plantations are considered a sustainable resource for timber production if managed properly. With responsible forestry practices, including selective logging and the establishment of mixed-species plantations, the negative environmental impacts of eucalyptus logging can be mitigated.
We supply large quantities and ongoing consignments of predominantly round logs to various export and domestic markets around within Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Product specification
· Moisture: Fresh cut
· Grade: A,B,C
· Diameter: 18cm – 24cm–25%
· Length: 4 meters plus
· Straight all over the length
· Small sound knots accepted
· Sound knots on 1 face accepted (15cm maximum per 3 meters)
· Dead knots deducted
· No frost ring
· No black knots
· No rot
· No holes
· No brown color
· Measurement: Small end, small size under bark•
· Formula: Volume (m3) = (D² X L)/10000
Logs Available : (Spruce, Birch, Oaks, Beech, Pine, Poplar, Eucalyptus, Ash etc)
