Red Timber

Why red timber is in demand

Red-hued timbers have long been favoured by Australian architects for their natural warmth, striking grain and high performance. Whether you choose silky western red cedar timber for lightweight cladding or dense red ironbark timber for bush-fire prone zones, the spectrum of colours ranges from pale pinks to deep burgundy browns. The rich palette pairs beautifully with concrete, steel and stone, making it a versatile option in contemporary and heritage projects alike.

Popular Australian species

• Western red cedar – lightweight, stable and ideal for external cladding, screens and windows.
• Red gum timber – dramatic grain, excellent hardness; often selected for feature flooring, benchtops and joinery.
• Red mahogany timber – dense, fine-textured and naturally termite-resistant, perfect for structural beams and decking.
• Red box timber – exceptional durability for posts, sleepers and heavy construction.
• River red gum – prized for decorative slabs and custom furniture.
• Red ironbark timber – BAL-rated, ideal where fire performance is mandatory.

Imported alternatives

For projects seeking consistent colour or specific sizes, imported products such as red oak timber, red grandis timber or the New Zealand-grown red stag timber may be specified. Each offers different strength grades and warranty periods—compare the technical sheets provided on each listing before ordering.

Key applications

• Exterior cladding, shingles and battens
• Flooring and stair treads
• Custom cabinetry, wall panelling and acoustic baffles
• Structural framing and pergolas
• Decking, screening and landscape elements

Grades, finishes & colours

Not all red timber is the same shade of red. Natural variation is part of its charm, but manufacturers also offer stained, oiled or pre-finished boards to achieve a uniform look—handy when matching panels across large façades. When browsing products tagged colour: Red you’ll find:

• Natural: clear, light oil to highlight the raw tone.
• Rich red: factory-stained to intensify colour and improve UV resistance.
• Washed red: subtle tint for Scandinavian or coastal palettes.

Dimensions, profiles and pricing

Profiles range from 65 × 19 mm tongue-and-groove boards through to 300 mm wide shiplap planks. Timber is usually sold by the lineal metre or cubic metre. As a guide, western red cedar timber prices start around $12 – $15/LM, while premium australian red cedar timber for sale can exceed $5,000 / m³ due to limited availability. Dense hardwoods like river red gum timber command a similar premium. Use the ‘Request a quote’ buttons on each ArchiPro listing to confirm current rates and lead times. Specialty mills and timber suppliers Red Hill and Red Hill South can also machine bespoke profiles for heritage refurbishments and timber flooring Red Hill projects.

Sustainability & certification

Australia’s forestry codes require responsible harvesting. Look for PEFC or FSC certification and, for local hardwoods, Chain-of-Custody documentation. Species such as red alert timber and red box timber are often sourced from regrowth forests or plantation stock. For deeper technical guidance, see the WoodSolutions Australian Timber Database.

Installation essentials

• Acclimatise boards on site for at least 7 days.
• Specify stainless fasteners to prevent tannin staining.
• Apply end-seal on all cuts to minimise moisture ingress.
• In BAL 29+ zones, select fire-rated options such as red ironbark timber.

Care & maintenance

Regular washing removes dust that accelerates weathering. Re-oil external surfaces every 12–18 months, or sooner in high-UV regions. Interior red timber flooring benefits from felt pads on furniture and routine recoating to protect the finish.

Styling tips & complementary finishes

Pair deep reds with light wallpapers for contrast, or echo the warmth with natural wall fabrics. For tactile feature walls, combine fine-sawn timber panelling with textured decorative plaster. These layered finishes sit cohesively within the broader wall & ceiling finishes range on ArchiPro.

How to specify on ArchiPro

1. Filter by species, profile and colour: Red to narrow thousands of listings in seconds.
2. Review technical PDFs, BIM files and supplier Q&A to confirm suitability.
3. Use the multi-quote tool to obtain comparable prices from trusted suppliers.
4. Save products to a project folder and share with clients or contractors.
5. Arrange samples direct from the supplier—most dispatch nationwide within 48 hours.

Ready to get started?

Browse the full collection of premium red timber today and bring lasting warmth, resilience and architectural character to your next project.