Thread: What types of timber do Kiwis use

Pine, Mac and Rimu and Douglas Fir would account for about 98% of NZ timber I guess.
The other imported species you mentioned are available but usually thru portable sawmillers or specialist timber places. Often from salvage or removal of single trees.
Same with the native species, Rewarewa, Matia, Kahikatea etc. Not much is harvested commercially, but small amounts are available.
There are some Eucalyptus being harvested locally and it's imported as well.
I've got Macrocarpa, Bluegum eucalyptus, Lawson cypress, Chinese walnut and a bit of pine in my wood stash at the moment, but I'm allways on the lookout for something new to saw

Ian

I know im diggin up an old thread, but i thought id chuck in my 2 cents worth.

Although im no expert at NZ timber, i am good friends with a Antique/Cabinet desinger in NZ. For chests and drawers mottled kauri (rare as speckled rocking horse s%@t) and Burred Totara (equally as rare) is FANTASTIC timber for this. I have some pictures at home (im at work at the moment) and if you are still keen to know what these timbers look like, let me know and i can post up some amazing pictures.

Rewarewa is another beautiful NZ timber, but funnily enough, looks almost identical to our Silky Oak... slighty different colouring, very similar grain! Mottled/Swamp/Flame kauri is also very good turning timber, but can be hard to find good pieces worth turning.