A sustainable material with a natural aesthetic on our own doorstep

When it comes to building materials, there’s no shortage of materials to choose from. Plywood has been a staple in the design industry for decades, revered for its aesthetic appeal and timber-like appearance. Of late, plywood has also gained recognition for its sustainability credentials and versatility when it comes to applications. Plywood comes in a range of grades, with lower grades typically used in construction for structural purposes like subfloors while higher grades are selected for decorative finishings.

Austral Plywoods exclusively use hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) in its appearance-grade plywood, with the locally sourced material offering a high-quality, sustainable alternative to imported varieties. The Austral Plywoods range is vast, comprising products for interior, exterior, structural, marine, and curved applications; all made from Australian hoop pine. Here’s why you should consider using Australian hoop pine plywood in your next project.

The hoop pine, or Araucaria cunninghamii, used in each Austral Plywood product is sourced from sustainable plantations in northern NSW and southeast Queensland. Hoop pine is typically grown for 40-50 years and cultivated with a long-term sustainable cut rate. Thoughtful harvesting and processing allow for a range of log products (including plywood) that derive the best value recovery from each tree.

Hoop pine plywood offers an eco-friendly alternative to birch plywood. While birch plywood is also a visually appealing product, all birch products are imported – typically from northern Europe – resulting in a higher carbon footprint.

One of the few endemic rainforest species that has been successfully adapted for timber production, genetic improvement through selective breeding combined with innovative techniques has resulted in a highly desirable, smooth grain, knot-free, high-strength timber product. Similarly, it’s also the ideal complement to both architecturally designed residential homes and commercial venues.

Hoop pine is a highly workable species, with the ability to be cut, drilled, and stained. This means that not only can it be used for decorative panelling and structural purposes, but plywood made from hoop pine can also be adapted for custom applications such as kitchen cabinetry for built-in appliances and standalone furniture. While the even colour and smooth grain of Austral Plywoods products already contribute to an attractive finish, staining can be used to differentiate the finished product from the rest, with deep hues providing a richer, more traditional look. This can be seen in the ceiling lining at Silky Oaks Lodge, with a darker stain allowing the retreat to effortlessly blend into the surrounding landscape.

Explore attractive interior and exterior plywood options by Austral Plywoods on ArchiPro.