Jarrah as an Outdoor Timber
Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is one of Australia's most recognisable hardwoods, a WA native species with a rich red-brown colour, Class 1 durability rating under AS 5604, and a Janka hardness of approximately 8.5 kN. It has been used in WA outdoor furniture, decking and structural applications for over a century.
For buyers in Western Australia, Jarrah is a natural first choice for outdoor furniture, it's regionally familiar, readily available from WA suppliers, and its performance in Australian conditions is well-established. But for buyers in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and nationally, Jarrah supply is limited. WA-based supply chains add freight costs and lead times that significantly affect delivered price.
Why Auscraft Doesn't Use Jarrah
Auscraft manufactures in West Gosford, NSW. Jarrah is a WA-endemic species, harvesting and milling infrastructure is concentrated in the south-west of WA. Bringing Jarrah to an east coast manufacturer adds a long supply chain, freight costs and lead time variability that Auscraft can avoid by using east-coast native species with equivalent performance.
The alternative: Spotted Gum, Ironbark and Merbau. All three are commercially available from east-coast NSW and QLD suppliers, deliver to Auscraft's West Gosford workshop directly, and match or exceed Jarrah's durability specifications.
Jarrah vs Auscraft Species, Direct Comparison
| Property | Jarrah | Spotted Gum | Ironbark | Merbau |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 5604 Class | Class 1 | Class 1 | Class 1 | Class 2 |
| Janka hardness | ~8.5 kN | 11 kN | 14 kN | 8.6 kN |
| Colour | Rich red-brown | Honey-gold -> silver-grey | Dark red-brown -> grey | Rich red-brown |
| Above-ground lifespan | 25,40+ years | 25,40+ years | 25,40+ years | 15,25 years |
| Supply region | WA only | NSW / QLD | NSW / QLD / VIC | PNG / SE Asia (FSC) |
| East coast availability | Limited + freight cost | Readily available | Readily available | Readily available |
In terms of raw durability, Spotted Gum and Ironbark both exceed Jarrah's Janka hardness. Merbau is effectively equivalent to Jarrah in hardness (8.5 vs 8.6 kN) and delivers the same warm red-brown aesthetic that Jarrah buyers often specifically seek.
For WA Buyers Wanting Jarrah
Ready to order? Request a free quote from our West Gosford NSW workshop, we respond within one business day.
If you're in Western Australia and have your heart set on Jarrah, local WA furniture makers are your best option, the short supply chain makes sense regionally. Auscraft doesn't source Jarrah and doesn't manufacture in WA.
However, if you're in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA or the ACT and want Jarrah-quality outdoor furniture delivered to your door, Auscraft's equivalent east-coast hardwoods are the practical alternative, same Class 1 durability, similar aesthetics (particularly Merbau for the red-brown colour), and manufacture in West Gosford NSW with national delivery.
See delivery coverage: Picnic Table Delivery Australia.
Get a Quote, Ironbark, Spotted Gum or Merbau →
Choosing the Right Jarrah Alternative
Ready to order? Request a free quote from our West Gosford NSW workshop, we respond within one business day.
- Want Jarrah's red-brown colour? Choose Merbau, warm red tones, Janka 8.6 kN, Class 2 durability, FSC-sourced. Read: Merbau Picnic Table Australia.
- Want Jarrah's durability in a commercial/park setting? Choose Ironbark, Class 1, Janka 14 kN, exceeds Jarrah in every hardness measure. Read: Ironbark Picnic Table Australia.
- Want a native eucalyptus with natural grey patina? Choose Spotted Gum, Janka 11 kN, Class 1, the most widely specified species for east-coast Australian outdoor furniture. Read: Spotted Gum Picnic Table Australia.
Ready to order? Request a free quote from our West Gosford NSW workshop. We respond within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions, Jarrah Picnic Tables
Is Jarrah a good timber for picnic tables in Australia?
Yes, AS 5604 Class 1, Janka ~8.5 kN, 25,40+ year lifespan. Best suited to WA buyers where supply is local. For east coast buyers, freight costs make Spotted Gum, Ironbark or Merbau more practical alternatives with equivalent or higher durability.
What is a good Jarrah alternative on the east coast?
Merbau (8.6 kN) for the warm red-brown colour. Spotted Gum (11 kN) or Ironbark (14 kN) for Class 1 hardness that exceeds Jarrah. Auscraft builds in all three from West Gosford NSW with national delivery.
Does Auscraft use Jarrah?
No, Auscraft uses Spotted Gum, Ironbark and Merbau. East coast species available directly from NSW/QLD suppliers, no cross-continental freight. All meet or exceed Jarrah's durability specification.
