Cooktown Ironwood

One of the heaviest, strongest and most durable timbers in the world, the tree is very slow-growing and relatively small, yielding logs up to a maximum length of about 5 metres and a diameter of about 40 centimetres. When freshly cut the timber may appear pink, but it darkens to a deep rich red colour with beautiful swirls in the grain on some pieces.

The red heartwood has extremely high durability, even when used externally and in contact with the ground. It is resistant to borers, termites, and fungal rots.

Uses include engineering - bridge construction, mining timbers, sleepers. Construction -heavy structural, heavy flooring, decking, shipbuilding. Decorative - furniture, joinery, inlay work. Also used for musical instruments, implements and handles.