Minor Species

Minor Species

Beyond our core range, TLB Timber supplies a selection of specialty hardwoods for projects with particular requirements. Below are three of our regularly stocked minor species.

Vitex (Pacific Teak)

Vitex is a pale, honey-toned tropical hardwood valued for its durability and fine, even texture. Increasingly specified for coastal and architectural decking, cladding and battening, it works easily despite its density and finishes beautifully. Botanical name: Vitex cofassus. Other common names: Pacific Teak, Garamut, Vaivai.

ColourPale grey-brown to honey brown
GrainFine, even texture; straight to slightly interlocked
DensityApprox. 700 kg/m³ @ 12% MC
Hardness (Janka)5.6 kN (seasoned)
Borer ResistanceNot susceptible to Lyctus borer
Shrinkage to 12% MCLow – 4% (tangential) 2% (radial)
Durability above groundClass 2 (AS 5604) – durable
Working propertiesContains no silica; planes and machines well and takes a good finish
UsesDecking, flooring, stairs, doors, windows, cladding, marine construction and furniture

Plantation Mahogany

Mahogany is a high quality timber used for furniture, cabinetmaking and joinery. Very attractive and dimensionally stable, it works easily with excellent finishing qualities, making it a popular choice for high quality furniture. Botanical name: Swietenia macrophylla (Meliaceae). Other common names: Big Leaf Mahogany, Mahogany, Mahoni.

ColourReddish to pinkish, darkening with age and exposure
GrainInterlocked, sometimes straight; fine to moderately coarse, often figured
StrengthS6 : SD7
Structural RatingsF11
Hardness (Janka)3.55 kN
Termite ResistanceNonresistant. Treated stock available.
Shrinkage to 12% MCLow – 2% (radial) 3.2% (tangential)
Durability above groundClass 3 – 5 to 15 years
Working propertiesEasy to work; planes, nails and glues well; sands to a very fine finish
UsesHigh-grade furniture and cabinet making, joinery, windows, doors, panelling, flooring and veneers

Heavy Hopea

Heavy Hopea is a very dense, very strong timber with high resistance to termites. Its fine texture and grain make it easy to work, and its natural durability and strength make it ideal for external applications. Botanical name: Hopea iriana (Dipterocarpaceae). Other common names: Giam, Heavy Hopea.

ColourYellow brown to dark brown, deepening with exposure
GrainFine to medium and even; typically interlocked
StrengthS1 : SD1
Structural RatingsF27 : F34 select grade
Hardness (Janka)9.2 kN (unseasoned) & 10 kN (seasoned)
Termite ResistanceResistant
Shrinkage to 12% MCLow – 3% (radial) 6% (tangential)
Durability above groundHighly durable – Class 2 – 15 to 40 years
Durability in groundClass 2 – 15 to 25 years
UsesBuilding and heavy construction, decking, flooring, joinery, marine and wharf construction

Please contact our team to confirm current stock and sizing on any of our minor species.

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