Tuart is a large hardwood occurring in a narrow strip between the coast and the Darling Range in south-west Western Australia. The best example of the species is probably the stand at Ludlow, near Busselton. Tuart occurs in woodland or open forest, and peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) is a common understorey species. The trees are up to 25 to 40 m tall and 1 to 2 m diameter in the southern occurrence, but only 10 to 15 m in the northern. The trunk is often between one-third and one-half of total height, with the crown well developed with large spreading branches. Tuart grows on shallow siliceous sands or on soils derived from limestone.

Wood description [more info]
Heartwood is pale yellow-brown. The grain is very interlocked and the timber is fine-textured and even.

Wood density [more info]
Green density is about 1250 kg/m3, air-dry density about 1030 kg/m3, and basic density about 840 kg/m3.

Shrinkage [more info]
Tangential and radial shrinkage before reconditioning are 7.0 and 3.0 per cent respectively, and after reconditioning 5.8 and 2.6 per cent respectively.

Workability [more info]
With regard to workability, the very interlocked grain makes it difficult to dress smoothly.

Durability [more info]
Durability Class based on the CSIRO 1996 ratings is 1 for decay, and 3 for decay + termites. Sapwood is Lyctus-susceptible.

Strength group and properties [more info]
Green and dry strength groups are S3 and SD3. The more important strength properties are given in the table below.

Uses [more info]
Uses have been for general building purposes and flooring. Tuart was once used for keels, stern posts, bridge supports, shafts and wheelwright work where great strength, solidity and durability were required, as well as railway carriage construction.

Availability [more info]
Timber is generally not commercially available from State Forest, although occasional logs may be supplied from private property.