Name: Queensland Silky Oak - Box Making
SKU: 11689
Availability: InStock

Description

Queensland Silky Oak (Cardwellia sublimis)

Queensland Silky Oak presents one of the most recognisable and beloved grain patterns in Australian timber. When quartersawn, this timber reveals its spectacular medullary rays, creating a shimmering, silver-flecked figure that resembles fish scales or snakeskin. Its base colour is a consistent pinkish or reddish-brown, which provides a warm and inviting backdrop for its incredible grain. You can use this timber to bring a touch of classic Australian elegance to any project.

Perfect for Box Making:

You will find Queensland Silky Oak to be an outstanding choice for creating beautiful and visually intricate boxes. The timber’s remarkable grain pattern means you don’t need complex designs; the wood itself provides all the detail. Use its unique properties for:

Visually stunning jewellery and keepsake boxes that shimmer in the light.
Feature panels and decorative lids that command attention.
Humidors and display cases with a classic, high-end feel.
Projects that celebrate iconic Australian timbers.

Working Properties:

You can shape and join this timber with relative ease, but pay attention to its unique characteristics for the best results.

Workability: Silky Oak works well with both hand and machine tools. The coarse, open-pored texture may require sharp blades to ensure a crisp finish, especially when cutting across the prominent rays to avoid chipping.
Finishing: To make the grain truly “pop,” apply a clear film finish like lacquer or shellac. The timber readily absorbs oils and polishes, which highlight its natural lustre and warm colouring. Sanding with finer grits will produce a satisfyingly smooth result.
Gluing: The wood glues together reliably, creating strong and lasting joints for your projects.
Dust: The wood dust can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some people. We recommend you use appropriate dust extraction and personal protective equipment.

Specifications:

Common Names: Queensland Silky Oak, Northern Silky Oak, Lacewood (international)
Botanical Name: Cardwellia sublimis
Origin: North Queensland, Australia
Appearance: A pinkish to reddish-brown timber featuring large, prominent medullary rays that create a silvery, lace-like figure on quartersawn faces.

We have more Silky Oak sizes available here.

A Note on Our Wood Products

Please remember that the photos you see are indicative only. As a beautiful, natural material, wood inherently varies in grain, color, and figure. While we meticulously select outstanding pieces to send your way, each item will possess its own unique charm. We believe these natural variations are part of what makes our wood products so special and truly one-of-a-kind.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Trend Timbers, we are committed to providing woodworkers with the highest quality materials. All our timber is sourced from sustainable, ecologically responsible forests and is kiln-dried to meet stringent Australian standards. Our hand-selected range includes premium species suitable for everyone, from novice enthusiasts to seasoned artisans.

Project Advice & Support

For projects requiring dimensions larger than our listed sizes or you require further information about a particular species, including custom sizing or current availability, our knowledgeable staff is here to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly for expert advice.

Visit Our Showroom

In addition to our online store, Trend Timbers offers an even wider selection of beautiful species and woodcraft supplies, including turning and carving blanks. We warmly invite you to visit our showroom to experience our full range firsthand and see the unique character of our timbers up close. We are always inspired to see where our timber ends up, so feel free to share your finished projects with us when you visit.