Shingle/shake timber used on earlysettlers buildings in 19th century Victoria and NSW

**billwig** · 22nd March 2014, 11:17 PM

I want to know which species (were here more than one?) of eucalypt were considered to be the best for shingling a roof by the 19th century settlers of Victoria, mainly in the Goldfields area and Gippsland. I'd also be keen to know what timber was preferred in NSW. Thanks.

**rustynail** · 23rd March 2014, 11:47 PM

In NSW River Oak or Bull Oak were often used, due to the crossed interlocking grain which helped prevent splitting. Other members of the same specie carry the same qualities and were also used.

**dusteater** · 24th March 2014, 01:51 AM

I know we`re a long way from where you are asking about but they used Sheoak here in the West ,as well as for beer barrels

**John.G** · 24th March 2014, 07:53 AM

Up here they primarily used the various oaks, both on the coast and inland.

I think the timber used had nothing do with grain and/or durability, and was solely chosen for ease of radial splitting. If you ever get the chance to use a frow/froe - the hand tool used to split out shingles/ palings etc - you would quickly understand why.

**artme** · 24th March 2014, 06:50 PM

According to a descendant of one of the early darling downs settlers, Brigalow was very commonly used.

**Tony Morton** · 24th March 2014, 08:14 PM

Bloodwood is a timber often used free splitting radially and durable.

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Shingle/shake timber used on earlysettlers buildings in 19th century Victoria and NSW

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