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New Zealand Timber Options

New Zealand Timber Options

Posted on November 23, 2024


We specialise in sourcing the widest range of quality New Zealand grown timbers and craft them into unique panels. Our priority is to support the New Zealand economy through the full commitment to our sustainable forestry and manufacturing industry. Caring for our environment and our future is at the core of every decision, working directly with key sawmills and suppliers across the country. 

Here are some of our favourites

Rimu Colour Swatch Innate Furniture

Name  Recycled Rimu
Description Recycled rimu is a premium hardwood sourced from salvaged native New Zealand timber, often reclaimed from old buildings or structural elements. It carries a rich history, preserving the charm of its origins while promoting sustainability.
Density and Hardness
  • Density: Approximately 560-580 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter), making it moderately dense and ideal for applications requiring durability without excessive weight.
  • Hardness: Rimu is a moderately hard timber, offering excellent resistance to wear and denting, suitable for both functional and decorative purposes.
Appearance
  • Color: Recycled rimu features a distinctive mix of warm tones, ranging from golden honey to rich reddish-browns. Over time, it develops a deep patina, enhancing its natural beauty.
  • Grain: A straight, fine grain is common, though recycled rimu may also showcase unique wavy or irregular patterns due to its history of use.
  • Character: Each panel boasts individual character with variations in color, grain, and texture. Features like nail holes add a rustic, authentic charm, perfect for bespoke panels.
Sustainability Using recycled rimu reduces demand for new timber and supports sustainable manufacturing practices. It’s a conscious choice for sustainable projects while celebrating the heritage of New Zealand forestry.

 

 

 

Name  Northland Totara
Description Northland tōtara is a native softwood species found predominantly in the warmer, wetter climate of Northland, New Zealand. Compared to South Island tōtara, Northland tōtara tends to grow faster and straighter, producing larger, more uniform logs. It's historically revered by Māori and early settlers for its workability and natural durability.
Density and Hardness  
  • Density (dry): Approx. 450–480 kg/m³

  • Janka Hardness: Approx. 2.5–3.0 kN (relatively soft, similar to Western red cedar or macrocarpa)

  • Despite being a softwood, it has moderate strength and good dimensional stability.

Appearance
  • Heartwood: Ranges from warm reddish-brown to golden brown, often with rich grain character and occasional small knots or figure.

  • Sapwood: Pale and clearly defined.

  • Grain: Generally straight, fine, and even, with a slightly oily feel due to natural extractives.

  • Finish: Accepts oils and natural finishes beautifully, highlighting the timber's warm tones.

Sustainability
  • Naturally regenerating on private land in Northland under initiatives like the Tōtara Industry Pilot (TIP) and Taitokerau Māori Forests Inc.

  • Considered a sustainable alternative when selectively harvested from regenerating secondary growth forests.

  • Strong potential for carbon sequestration, ecological restoration, and local economic development.

  • Aligns with continuous cover forestry and indigenous forest restoration goals in New Zealand.

 

 

Beech Colour Swatch Innate Furniture

Name  West Coast Beech
Description West Coast beech, also known as New Zealand beech or southern beech (Nothofagus species), is a native hardwood prized for its fine grain, workability, and consistent quality. Harvested sustainably from the West Coast’s temperate forests, it’s a versatile timber for furniture and interior design.
Density and Hardness
  • Density: Approximately 620-650 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter), providing a balance between strength and ease of handling.
  • Hardness: West Coast beech is moderately hard, making it resistant to wear and damage.
Appearance
  • Colour: It features light, creamy tones with subtle pink or pale reddish hues, offering a neutral palette suitable for a wide range of applications.
  • Grain: Beech exhibits a fine, straight grain with a smooth texture, creating a clean and elegant appearance.
  • Character: West Coast beech may display knots or colour variations, adding a touch of natural charm without overwhelming its refined look.
Sustainability Sustainably sourced from New Zealand’s West Coast forests, beech is a renewable resource managed under strict world-leading forest management standards regulated by MPI. Its local availability minimises transportation emissions, supporting eco-friendly building practices.

 

 

Name  Northland Tōtara
Description Northland Tōtara (Podocarpus totara) is a native New Zealand softwood renowned for its natural durability, fine grain, and historical significance. Harvested as part of the Totara Industry Pilot (TIP) project, this timber represents a collaborative effort to develop sustainable and ethical uses of farm-grown totara, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
Density and Hardness
  • Density: Approximately 480-520 kg/m³ (kilograms per cubic meter), making it lightweight yet strong, ideal for versatile applications.
  • Hardness: Tōtara is medium hardness, making it a common choice for traditional Māori carving while still offering resilience to wear and tear.
Appearance
  • Color: Northland totara showcases rich golden to reddish-brown tones, deepening over time to a warm, vibrant hue.
  • Grain: It features a straight, fine grain with a silky texture, making it visually appealing and smooth to the touch.
  • Character: Panels often exhibit minimal imperfections, but reclaimed or naturally weathered pieces may include knots, sapwood contrasts, or unique markings that highlight its natural origin and heritage.
Sustainability Through the Totara Industry Pilot (TIP) project, farm-grown totara is harvested and managed sustainably, ensuring a renewable and responsible supply chain. This initiative supports environmental regeneration, promotes biodiversity, and creates economic opportunities for Northland communities. Choosing Northland totara means contributing to this forward-thinking program while using a premium, eco-conscious material.

 

By working closely with a wide selection of industry suppliers, we are capable of supplying panels using a long list of New Zealand grown species. Get in touch with us to discuss custom panels for you.

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