A striking wood with rich red, pink and brown tones, myrtle (Western Beech) is a medium sized hardwood belonging to the same family as the beeches in NZ and South America.

It is the major species found in Tasmanian rainforests. With colour varying from pink to a warm reddish brown, this timber is even-textured and has a fine grain that can be straight, interlocked or feature a fiddleback pattern. Myrtle can produce knotty wood and burls, which are highly coveted and invariably favoured and sought by craftspeople. Myrtle makes an excellent veneer and finishing timber, delivering a very smooth finish. It is also suitable for steam bending and turning, and is traditionally used for spindle turning and bowls.

SUITABILITY

  • Furniture

  • Joinery

  • Cabinetry

  • Feature paneling

  • Flooring & parquetry

  • Veneer

MF_20180828_0058.jpg
MF_20180828_0030.jpg
MF_20180828_0016.jpg

TECHNICAL DATA

Density (kg/m3) unseasoned 1100

Strength Group - unseasoned S4

Radial Shrinkage % 2.5

Lyctid Susceptible Yes

Colour Pale pink to deep red

Grain Straight, fine & even, occasionally wavy

Nailing Good

Sawing Excellent

Turning Excellent

Gluing Satisfactory

Density (kg/m3) seasoned 700

Strength Group - seasoned SD5

Tangential Shrinkage %  4.5

Stability Good

Durable Not for external use

Texture Fine, uniform & smooth

Screwing Good

Moulding Excellent

Bending Excellent

Finishing Good