Guide
Jarrah, marri and sheoak: which timber suits which board?
Jarrah is deep red-brown, hard and dense, so it suits chopping blocks and tables. Marri runs from honey to pink with gum veins, which makes striking river tables and feature boards. Sheoak is golden with dark rays like lace, and it suits serving boards and carved platters.
How do jarrah, marri and sheoak compare?
| Timber | Botanical name | Colour | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jarrah | Eucalyptus marginata | Deep red-brown | Hard, dense, durable | Tables, chopping blocks |
| Marri | Corymbia calophylla | Honey to pink | Gum veins, striking figure | River tables, feature boards |
| Sheoak | Allocasuarina fraseriana | Golden with dark rays | Lace-like ray figure | Serving boards, platters |
What does jarrah look like?
Jarrah is the classic Western Australian hardwood. Fresh-cut it is pink to red, and it deepens to a rich red-brown with age. It is used for slab risers, chopping blocks and the bases of tables. See a jarrah riser on a burl base.
What does marri look like?
Marri varies a lot, from pale honey to orange and pink. Dark veins of gum often run through it, and cracks and gaps are filled with resin to make them a feature. It is a favourite for river tables.
What does sheoak look like?
Sheoak has a fine, golden grain with darker rays that cross it like lace. It is less common in boards than jarrah, so a sheoak platter stands out. See a carved sheoak platter.
Where does our timber come from?
Offcuts and salvaged slabs, the pieces too short or too characterful for a timber yard.
Questions people ask
Are all three timbers from Western Australia?
Yes. Jarrah, marri and sheoak all grow naturally in the south-west of Western Australia.
Do the colours change over time?
Timber darkens or fades a little with light and age. Oil brings the colour back. Keep boards out of strong sun.
Which timber is best for a first board?
Choose by looks. All three make good boards when they are oiled and washed by hand. See the care guide.
Want a board in a particular timber?
Tell us which timber you like and we will show you what the offcuts allow.
Ask Frank