Timber Insight: Red Grandis

Red Grandis (Eucalyptus grandis) is a hardwood that has continued to gain popularity throughout the UK for its sustainability, appearance, and functionality.

The timber is native to the coastal regions of eastern Australia. This hardwood is harvested sustainably in plantations across South America, especially Uruguay and Brazil. The fast-growing nature of Red Grandis means it matures rapidly, providing an abundant and environmentally friendly resource.

This timber is ideal for those who value eco-conscious choices without compromising on quality.

Appearance and Key Features

Red Grandis stands out for its attractive, consistent appearance with pale pink to reddish-brown tones. Its uniform colouring and straight grain make it a beautiful feature for use in contemporary design.

As Red Grandis matures in ideal conditions, it can enhance its color, potentially evolving into stunning, richer, and warmer tones.

The wood has a medium density, which is ideal for use when woodworking. Its fine texture makes it easy to machine, plane, sand, and finish, allowing for intricate detailing and a high-quality final result.

This excellent workability has made Red Grandis increasingly popular in modern landscape architecture, furniture making, and joinery.

Benefits of Choosing Red Grandis

Red Grandis offers a unique combination of practical and visual benefits. These include;

Natural Durability: Red Grandis is highly resistant to insects and fungal decay, thanks to its natural oils and compounds. Even untreated, the wood offers 15 to 20 years of reliable outdoor performance.

Stability and Strength: Known for dimensional stability, Red Grandis resists warping, shrinking, and twisting, which is particularly valuable in the UK’s changeable climate. It ensures that structures such as fence panels, gates, and outdoor furniture remain intact and visually appealing over time.

Ease of Maintenance: While Red Grandis can deepen in colour as it ages over the first few years, the typically wet and unpredictable British weather will transform it into a distinguished silver-grey.

Periodic UV-protective treatments make it easy for it to maintain its original colour. Simple annual care ensures the timber retains its beauty for decades.

See our timber maintenance guide here.

Practical Applications

Thanks to its durability, attractive grain, and sustainability credentials, Red Grandis is versatile and ideal for numerous uses:

Fencing and Gates: This material is ideal for contemporary fence panels and garden gates due to its resistance to decay and excellent dimensional stability.

Outdoor Furniture: Suitable for creating durable garden furniture such as benches, planters, pergolas and more.

Cladding and Screens: Favoured for exterior cladding, slatted screens, and bin stores, enhancing outdoor spaces with its modern aesthetic.

Comparing Red Grandis to Other Hardwoods

Red Grandis balances traditional hardwoods like Sapele or Iroko with more sustainable softwood options like Fir and Pine.

Compared to traditional hardwoods, Red Grandis grows significantly faster, reaching maturity in approximately 20 years; this makes it an environmentally responsible choice without losing durability or visual appeal.

Its lighter weight and easy machinability also set it apart, allowing designers and homeowners greater application flexibility.

Sustainable Credentials

Red Grandis is sourced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified plantations, ensuring responsible forestry management practices that conserve biodiversity and sustain local communities. This certification guarantees consumers that choosing Red Grandis supports sustainable environmental practices, helping to preserve vital ecosystems and combat climate change.

Caring for Your Red Grandis Timber

While naturally robust, Red Grandis timber will benefit from basic maintenance:

Colour Preservation: Regular application of UV oil or wood stain protects against weathering and maintains the timber’s attractive colour.

Routine Cleaning: A gentle wash with mild detergent and water keeps the wood clean and free from algae and dirt, prolonging its lifespan.

For more information on our range of Red Grandis slats, panels and bin stores, please contact our team directly on 01254 449 128.