Red Ironbark

Eucalyptus sideroxylon

Also known as: Mugga, Mugga Ironbark

Appearance

The heartwood ranges from deep red to red-brown, sitting against a distinctly paler yellow sapwood. The grain is often interlocked, with a fine and even texture. Because of its high density the surface finishes hard and smooth, though the colour can vary from board to board.

Workability

Red Ironbark is very hard and dense, so it is demanding to machine and works slowly with hand tools, and pre-drilling is advisable before fixing. It also dries slowly and can be prone to surface checking, so care is needed during seasoning. The effort is rewarded with a hard-wearing, long-lasting result.

Common Uses