Huon Pine FAQs

These answers cover the questions we are most often asked about Huon pine timber, slabs, sourcing, freight and finished products. If you need advice about a particular piece, send us the product link and tell us what you are planning to make.

What is Huon pine?

Huon pine is a Tasmanian native conifer with the botanical name Lagarostrobos franklinii. It occurs naturally in the cool, wet rainforests and river systems of western and south-western Tasmania. The species is exceptionally slow-growing, and individual trees can live for thousands of years.

Why is Huon pine timber so highly regarded?

Woodworkers value Huon pine for its close grain, workability, warm colour and distinctive aroma. It can take fine detail and a smooth finish, making it suitable for furniture, joinery, carving, turning, boatbuilding and carefully made household objects. Figure varies widely: some boards have quiet, even grain, while others display birdseye, burl, ripples and strong natural features.

Is your Huon pine legally sourced?

Yes. Living Huon pine forests have exceptional conservation value, and the available timber resource is limited. We source the timber we sell through lawful Tasmanian channels, including suitable salvaged and historic material. Please contact us if you would like to discuss the provenance of a particular product or slab.

What is the difference between normal grade, birdseye and burl?

Normal-grade Huon pine generally shows the classic fine, more even grain of the species. Birdseye describes small eye-like figure in the grain. Burl refers to highly figured, irregular growth that can create dramatic patterns. A piece may contain more than one type of figure, as well as natural edges, voids, colour changes or other features. The photographs and description for each slab are the best guide to that individual piece.

Are the slab photographs of the actual piece?

Individually numbered slab listings are intended to show the actual piece being offered. Timber is a natural material, so inspect all photographs and check the listed length, average width and thickness. If a measurement or feature is important to your project, ask us to confirm it before you order.

How should I choose a Huon pine slab?

Begin with the final size and purpose of your project. Allow enough material for flattening, dressing and trimming. Then consider the grain, figure, natural edge and any voids. A highly figured slab can make a spectacular feature piece, while a straighter board may be better for precise joinery. Browse our Huon pine slabs or contact us for help narrowing the choice.

Do you sell cut timber as well as slabs?

Yes. Our stock can include rough-sawn and cut Huon pine for smaller woodworking, joinery, carving and turning projects. Availability changes because each batch and piece is different. See the current cut Huon pine timber listings or ask us about the dimensions you need.

What finished Huon pine products do you make?

Our range changes as new pieces are made. It commonly includes Huon pine bread boards, cheese boards and other practical gifts, as well as products made from selected Tasmanian specialty timbers. Browse our current handcrafted Huon pine products.

How do I care for a Huon pine board?

Hand wash a timber board with mild detergent and a damp cloth, then dry it promptly. Do not soak it or put it in a dishwasher. Store it where air can circulate around both faces. When the surface looks dry, apply a food-safe board treatment suitable for the product and follow its instructions.

Can you send Huon pine interstate?

We can arrange delivery for many products and timber pieces, subject to their size, destination and available freight services. Large or heavy slabs may require an individual quote. Send us the product link and delivery postcode so we can check the options.

Can I ask about a custom project?

Yes. Tell us what you want to make, the approximate finished dimensions, your preferred timber character and your location. Peter’s joinery and woodworking experience can help determine whether the current stock includes a suitable piece. Contact Huon Pine Tasmania to start the conversation.