Tasmanian Oak & Victorian Ash Hardwood Timber Overview

All other aesthetic and structural characteristics are effectively unchanged.

Victorian Ash and Tasmanian Oak timber come from two near-identical groups of eucalypt species. Victorian ash is limited to Eucalyptus delegatensis and Eucalyptus regnans. Tasmanian Oak has both of these with the addition of Eucalyptus obliqua. While there are some minor differences between the two types of hardwood timber that are listed below, there are a remarkable number of similarities, which is why they are often used interchangeably.

Common characteristics between Tasmanian Oak and Victorian ash

• Both hardwoods are characterised as being durable and resilient, as well as seamlessly adding warmth, no matter the project.
• Both are incredibly versatile and can be used for a number of different applications such as flooring, panelling, stair components and much more.
• Both are easy to use and work with, stain well and produce a remarkable finish.

Tasmanian Oak (Australian Oak) can be one of Eucalyptus Regnans (Mountain Ash), Eucalyptus Delegatensis (Alpine Ash) and Eucalyptus Obliqua (Messmate). This mix of hardwood species ranges from straw blonde to pale and dark pink through to chocolate blonde. The younger growth tends to be lighter in colour, while the older trees can be darker across the spectrum. This is what gives Tasmanian Oak hardwood a much larger variation in colour.

The versatility and adaptability of Tasmanian Oak timber makes it a perfect building material for finished and structured flooring applications. Tasmanian Oak is a perfect material when building balustrades and staircases because it has minimal shrinkage after it has dried. The flexible nature of the timber also results in it being highly used in F17 seasoned structural framing, which is one of the highest grades commercial framing timber can receive. A favourite for furniture making and window joinery, the timber enables a breadth of applications and uses.

Apart from adding a luxurious touch to indoor spaces, the timber is also very easy to install.

Is Tasmanian Oak durable?

Tasmanian Oak timber, also known as Tassie Oak, has a good level of durability and has a Janka rating of 5.5. It is very easy to work with and offers an amazing texture and colour.

Five Yards by Archier shows the Tasmanian oak colour range

Victorian Ash is either Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) or Eucalyptus delegatensis (Alpine Ash). This mix of hardwood species ranges from straw to pale blonde and straw pink.

Previously, when Victorian ash was available, the Victorian climate allowed effective drying of all thicknesses, which is why Victorian Ash millers focused on 38 & 50mm thick material with a smaller percentage of 19 & 25mm thick material produced. The thinner end sections were used for small mouldings, flooring, lining and furniture while 38 & 50mm was used in windows, stairs, doors, furniture, structural material and much more.

An impressive quality of Victorian Ash timber was that it is very easy to work with machine tools and by hand, resulting in it having a wide range of practical uses.

Is Victorian Ash durable?

Victorian Ash timber wasn’t necessarily known as the most durable of timbers yet still possessed a good level of durability and resistance to insects. Victorian Ash timber has a Janka rating in the 4.5 range, which means this type of timber was ideally suited for indoor applications.

Five Yards by Archier shows the variation in Victorian ash colour

Although they share many similarities, including species makeup, there are some minor differences between Victorian Ash and Tasmanian Oak.

Regarding the basis of colour, figure and grain when differentiating veneer, the subtle differences between Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash become more visible. Though both similar in terms of light tones, from a veneer perspective, ‘Oak’ is referenced towards darker coloured veneers while ‘Ash’ is referenced towards lighter coloured veneers.

Both species are suitable for many of the same applications and historically were often used in unison. The main uses for Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash hardwood timber include:

• Flooring – combines adaptability with style for structural flooring applications.
• Cladding/screening– when H3 treated, provides durability and strength for outdoor applications.
• Flooring – one of the most trusted and widely used hardwood floors in Australia’s history.
• Joinery – perfect for window frames, door frames and furniture.
• Interior staircases – an excellent choice for its durability, strength and flexibility.
• Interior panelling – ideal wall cladding due to very long a life expectancy.
• Mouldings – creates an elegant and beautiful addition to any interior.
• Structural timber – offers greater nail retention, compression and beauty in F17 timber, and perfect for sub-decking when H3 treated for outdoor durability (IronAsh).

The quality of species can depend on the timber mill, grading and their processes. If ever any doubt, contact the ASH team or specify Australian Oak (Tasmanian Oak) for your next project.

Australian Oak (Tasmanian Oak) is readily available with secure, ongoing supply through ASH. Place an order or enquire further by contacting us below.

For East Gippsland manufactures and builders, or DIY enthusiasts, check the ASH Retail Centre to purchase directly from the mill.

Victorian ash is no longer available as a resource Australia-wide.