Jarrah
Eucalyptus marginata
Also known as: Swan River Mahogany
DomesticMid-Range
Janka Hardness
1,910 lbf
8.5 kN
Density
820 kg/m³
3.44 lbs/bf
Grain
Interlocked, sometimes wavy
Texture: Medium to coarse
Figure
Excellent figure when slabbed; rich color variation
Drying
Difficult
Movement: Moderate
Origin
Southwestern Australia
Myrtaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Jarrah is Australia's walnut — deeply colored, beautiful, and respected for outdoor durability that few species can match. Outside Australia it's a specialty find, but if you're in WA or working with reclaimed material, it's a species that rewards the extra effort required to work it well.
Common Mistakes
- Fighting the grain direction — interlocked grain will tear out badly if you're not reading the wood
- Skipping pre-drilling — jarrah is hard enough to split around fasteners
- Overlooking reclaimed stock — old-growth reclaimed jarrah from demolished buildings is often more stable and more characterful than new-growth
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Deep red to red-brown heartwood, one of the most distinctive colors of any Australian hardwood. Darkens further with age.
Workability
Hand Tools
Fair
Machine Tools
Fair
Gluing
Moderate
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Suitable
Carving
Not typically used
Very hard and dense. Interlocked grain causes tearout if grain direction is not respected. Pre-drill for all fasteners. Dulls tools quickly but finishes to a beautiful polish.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Widely available |
| Southeast Asia | Regional / select dealers |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Moderate
CITES Status
None
Notes
Dust can cause respiratory and skin irritation. Common sensitizer among Australian woodworkers.
Common Uses
Flooring Furniture Outdoor structures Railway sleepers Turning Live edge slabs
Sustainability: Old-growth Jarrah is protected. Reclaimed and plantation sources increasingly available.