Sheoak (WA variety)

Allocasuarina fraseriana
Widespread in forests of the south west and isolated pockets north up to Jurien Bay, the Western Australian Sheoak (also called "The Fraser Sheoak"), is a medium to small tree growing up to 15 metres tall. The timber has a similar appearance to European oak and is relatively easy to work with. The wood splits easily into sheets and was often used by early settlers for roof shingles and beer barrels. Today it is mainly used for furniture and small decorative items, mainly due to the cost of the timber, as the Sheoak is a smaller sized tree. Strips of Sheoak can be bent into various shapes in a process called "steam bending" which is used by artists creating unusually designed furniture. The timber itself is an attractive dark red to brown colour while the sapwood is pale yellow. The texture is moderately fine and even with prominent medullary rays.

Allocasuarina fraseriana

Green density:

1000kg per m3

Air dry density:

730kg per m3

Basic density:

620kg per m3

Colour:

Heartwood is dark red to brown. Sapwood is pale yellow.

Texture:

Moderately fine and even with prominant radial bands.

Grain:

Interlocked.

Durability Class:

2 (15-25 years) for decay, however Sheoak was not included in the 1996 CSIRO research which included termites. This timber would not be used below ground in any event. Sapwood is susceptible to borer beetle.

Hardness:

Figures not available.