Australian hardwood timber is one of the most trusted building materials in construction, landscaping, and infrastructure — prized for its strength, durability, and longevity. But not all hardwood is the same.
Back in the old days the sawmills would cut up whatever was coming out of the forest they were working in, and they would usually send the timbers out to builders as a mix of species. This often did make sense - many Australian timbers have similar structural properties and there was no need to separate them.
When we process structural timbers from a demolition there is usually between 5 and 10 species present. Some of them we sort and separate. Others of similar durability and colour we leave as a mix, following on from the old sawmills.
Below is key information on the recycled sourcing and history, the timber knowledge and main uses, and the durability and hardness of the various recycled timber species and mixes that we supply.
Class 1 hardwood refers to timber with the highest natural durability rating. It means the timber has exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and insect attack — even in harsh or exposed environments.
Many Australian hardwood species recycled by Renovo Timbers fall into this category. These timbers were originally selected for use in bridges, wharves, and other heavy infrastructure because of their strength and long service life. These recycled hardwoods are an exceptional resource—naturally dense, incredibly durable, and rich in colour and grain variation. Their outstanding structural properties made them extremely popular in New Zealand construction, widely used in buildings, factories, bridges, and wharfs from the 1800s through to the 1960s.
Australian hardwoods have long been regarded as the gold standard for strength and durability. Species such as ironbark, were deliberately selected for New Zealand infrastructure because they could withstand heavy loads, constant moisture exposure, ground contact, and decades of use with minimal degradation.
All hardwood supplied by Renovo Timbers is 100% genuine recycled Australian hardwood or clearly stated as sustainably sourced new timber, recycled timbers come from decommissioned New Zealand & Australian infrastructure — including bridges, wharves, power poles, and industrial buildings, many over a century old.
Recycled hardwood is the beautiful timber often with signs of its working life, such as bolt holes or fixing marks, weathered patina and colour variation. These are cosmetic characteristics, not structural flaws. It is simply a characteristic of buying recycled timber and forms part of the natural aesthetic.
Some companies say their timber is ‘reclaimed’ which is a fancy name for new hardwood so its not going to be recycled and the price should reflect it given its not as stable and doesn’t have the beautiful, recycled characteristics. New hardwood simply doesn’t have the character, beauty and authenticity of recycled timber. In some applications, we also supply sustainably sourced new hardwood products, including cladding, posts, and beams. When new timber is supplied, it is always clearly identified as new — we do not market new timber as “reclaimed” simply because its purpose has changed.
Different hardwood species have different properties, and knowing them can help you:
By understanding these traits, you can make informed choices for beams, flooring, wall lining, decking, or feature furniture — all while keeping the historic character of recycled timber alive. Our team works closely with our customers to find the perfect timber and offer expert guidance for each project.
When selecting hardwood timber, consider:
Formerly ‘Recycled Timbers NZ’, our Ōamaru yard continues to be your nationwide partner, powered by deep family roots and experience.
Find out moreOur collaborative and bespoke service guides you from sourcing the perfect hardwood to a seamless delivery. Get in touch today.
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