More than 34,000 cubic metres of American hardwood were shipped to Australia last year—a record—with the huge jump attributed to a surge in American Red oak, up more than 86% to 16,000 cubic metres. That is according to new data from the US Department of Agriculture, which reports that Australia is one of its fastest-growing markets for hardwood exports:
“We are seeing growth in the appetite for red oak in many markets around the world, but the figures for Australia are exceptional,” said Rod Wiles, Regional Director for the American Hardwood Export Council.
“A contributing factor appears to be that the architecture and design community have become aware not only of its structural capabilities and fabulous versatility but also that it’s not ‘red’. Most red oak is very similar in hue to white oak, and people are surprised to learn that it is named after the colour of the leaves of the tree in fall, rather than the colour of the timber.”
Rod Wiles, Regional Director for the American Hardwood Export Council
Last year, Wood Central that huge shipments of American red oak – used in mouldings, flooring, furniture, doors, cabinets, coffins and even mass timber – were arriving in Australia every month, with specifiers and suppliers now looking across the Pacific in response to the Victorian and West Australian governments opting to close native forests in both states.
“In Australia, we now have one of the biggest mass timber producers in the southern hemisphere (Australian Sustainable Hardwoods) using Red oak to make their glulam products, which is extraordinary,” according to Mr Wiles, who spoke to Wood Central about the country’s growing appetite for hardwoods last month.
According to Daniel Wright, Australian Sustainable Hardwood’s National Business Development Director, Red oak (or Glacial oak) is an excellent substitute for Vic Ash: “But with future supply in question and likely price fluctuations, we soon realised that we could get the performance and consistency we required from a targeted range of red oaks.”
Red oak is the most abundant species of American hardwood. And whilst it has similar characteristics to White oak, Wood Central understands that its more open grain makes it more suitable for staining, making it a versatile choice.’
- To learn more about American Hardwoods, which is perfect “to plug in for really big production cycles,” click here for Wood Central’s exclusive interview with Rod Wiles last month.
