WHY IRONBARK IS THE IDEAL TIMBER FOR NATURE PLAYGROUNDS

What is ironbark?

Coming from the Eucalyptus paniculata tree, ironbark is a strong hardwood that is native to Australia’s eastern coastal regions. It’s an extremely robust timber with bark that’s resistant to fire and heat, which helps forge a strong inner living tissue.

As it’s grown locally, ironbark is also pre-seasoned for the Australian climate, so it doesn’t require any chemical treatment to achieve its durability. It’s also naturally resistant to termites and other wood-boring insects. More importantly, it’s vastly superior for Australian landscape projects when compared to timbers such as robinia, which are commonly sourced and shipped from European forests.

Standing up to other materials

A range of factors must be considered before settling on the right materials for your natural playground. So, for landscape architects, there’s more to think about than just the visual qualities of the equipment or the different skill levels you are catering to.

With ironbark, you are getting a Class 1 Australian eucalypt hardwood that has a durability rating of 1 – the highest durability possible. That means the ironbark is expected to last for more than 50 years in outside, above-ground conditions. For in-ground decks poles, you can expect a minimum of 25 years for Class 1 products.

Compare this to many European timbers which can’t achieve a Class 1 rating in Australia. They may be entirely suitable to European climates, and therefore a seemingly viable option to ship over to Australia for your project, but the vast majority will be unable to stand up to the harsh and varied Australian climate. This can lead to early deterioration of equipment and increase health and safety hazards.

Support local industry and reduce your environmental footprint

On top of being a naturally superior product for the Aussie climate, using responsibly-sourced local hardwood significantly reduces the environmental cost of importing your play equipment from overseas.

A celebration of quality craftsmanship, every piece of Natura play equipment is designed and manufactured in Australia. They are hand-finished original pieces, with no mass production. We use sustainably-sourced ironbark logs which are de-barked, sanded, radiused and oiled, then finished with bitumen-sealed footings for longevity. Importantly, our play elements travel less distance than global playground manufacturers, meaning faster lead times and less emissions in our atmosphere.

Speak to the professionals in play

Natura nature play equipment is available through The Play Works. The play consultants and designers are here to help you select the right mix of products and materials for your next landscape design. Get in touch with the team at naturaplaygrounds.com.au

For more information from The Play Works, visit the links below.