Hardwood Timber Species Data: Victorian Ash (a.k.a Vic Ash, Alpine Ash)
Hardwood Species: Victorian Ash
Species Description: Victorian Ash
One of the three sub-alpine timbers used in creating the blend known as Tasmanian oak. Victorian ash is also known as “Vic Ash” (if you’re standing at the trade desk), alpine ash – or sometimes alpine ash mixed with mountain ash. One of the other timbers used in creating Tasmanian oak.
Straight-trunked with grey bark, alpine ash can reach towering heights of up to 90 meters high in ideal conditions. Victorian ash features a lower trunk that’s rough, thick, and almost wooly before giving way to smooth bark. This distinguishes it from alpine ash varietals grown in Tasmania, which features thicker bark over the entirety of the tree.
While it’s called Victorian ash, and it does grow in Victoria, the alpine ash grows in the aforementioned Tasmania and also in nearby New South Wales. It grows best in cool and rugged soils that feature excellent drainage – a necessity since the Victorian ash can require some of the highest levels of rainfall in Australia in order to thrive to such lofty heights. A bit of an isolationist, Victorian ash tends to grow best in areas devoid of other tree species.
Vic Ash isn’t necessarily the most durable of timbers. With an average Janka score of around 4.5, it’s too soft for uses like outdoor decking. However its warm, honey-coloured timber is ideal for timber flooring and parquetry. Parquetry is especially good when mixed with the other Tasmanian oak varietals.
Physical Properties of Vic Ash
Victorian ash is quite light at just 680kg/m³, making it easily workable for ornamental purposes. Victorian ash features prominently in parquet flooring designs. Indeed, the lighter hues of Vic Ash can be very effective when paired with a species of hardwood with darker tones.
Dry Density: range 680 kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 4.5 kN
These properties are only a guide, as timber is a natural product there will be variations within any species. The Janka Dry Hardness rating measures the hardness of the wood. The higher the number the harder the wood.
Use Victorian Ash in your next flooring project
If you would like to use this species in your next project and need assistance with either choosing the correct flooring panels or the installation of your next flooring project then please get in touch with one of our flooring specialists using the form below.
We also offer a more personalised service for those looking for renovation advisory where our team come to your location and help you choose the best species and style to fit the room.
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