Habitat: Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.
Janka Hardness Rating: 1375
The Tree: Australian Cypress is a unique Australian timber with a color and character unlike all others. Though it is a small to medium sized softwood tree, that typically grows 50 ft. in height and 10/14 in. diameter, the Australian Cypress actually exceeds the hardness of American Oak. It is also the only commercially milled hardwood species that is naturally termite resistant.
The Wood: Australian Cypress has a high degree of color variability. The sapwood can be cream or straw-colored, while the heartwood ranges from honey-gold to brown. The heartwood has a closed tight grain with numerous knots, which are very characteristic of this species. Australian Cypress may undergo some slight ambering or muting of color tones. It has a fine, lustrous texture with a typically straight grain. Over time, you can expect minor cracking - the finish above the knots may separate and peel slightly. These are not defects but simply part of the Australian Cypress character.
Uses: This is a durable softwood timber often seen as flooring, decking and weatherboards in old houses, furniture components, posts and small poles.
