High-Strength Structural Hardwood, Built to Be Seen
Hardwood F27 is structural Australian hardwood stress-graded to F27 — a characteristic bending strength of around 27 megapascals, one of the highest of the common structural F-grades. It is graded to AS 2082, and because reaching F27 requires dense, strong timber with few strength-reducing features, it is typically drawn from premium hardwood species such as Spotted Gum and the ironbarks. That density brings not only strength and stiffness but also excellent natural durability, termite resistance and, in many species, a BAL-29 bushfire rating. Beyond raw performance, F27 hardwood is genuinely good-looking, which makes it the grade of choice where structure is left exposed — exposed beams, rafters and feature frames. Kiln-dried (seasoned) F27 offers stability and reduced weight and resists warping and splitting, suiting both internal and external exposed applications. As a structural product, exact species, colour and durability vary with supply, so confirm these for your project.
Why Choose Hardwood F27
Technical Specifications
Product
High-strength structural Australian hardwood, stress grade F27
Grading standard
Visually stress-graded to AS 2082
Stress grade
F27 (≈ 27 MPa characteristic bending strength)
Species
Dense hardwoods (e.g. Spotted Gum, ironbark); varies by supply
Natural durability
Highly durable & termite resistant; often Class 1 (species dependent)
Bushfire
Often BAL-29 capable (species dependent; confirm per AS 3959)
Seasoning
Available seasoned (kiln-dried) or unseasoned
Common uses
Exposed beams, deck joists, trusses, heavy-duty framing, feature members
Sizing
Per AS 1684 / span tables / project engineer
Where Hardwood F27 Performs Best
Exposed structural beams and rafters left on show.
Heavy-duty and longer-span structural members.
Deck and verandah joists and bearers, including feature frames.
Trusses and engineered framing.
Decorative structural members where appearance matters.
Internal and exposed external structural applications.
Working With Hardwood F27
Hardwood F27 is dense and hard, so pre-drill for every fixing to prevent splitting, use high-quality fixings (stainless steel for exposed and coastal work) and appropriate connectors, and keep cutting tools sharp — the density will dull blades faster than softer timbers. Seasoned (kiln-dried) F27 is more stable and lighter to handle; where used exposed externally, seal cut ends and finish the timber to suit the exposure. Always size and detail structural members using AS 1684 and the relevant span tables, and a project engineer where required — the F27 grade describes strength, but the correct member size for a given load and span comes from those tables. For exposed members, also consider appearance: ask about select or appearance grades where looks are critical, and finish with a quality coating to manage colour and weathering.
Get Your Free QuoteHardwood F27 Durability & Standards
Hardwood F27 is visually stress-graded to AS 2082, guaranteeing strength at the time of grading, and is drawn from dense, naturally durable hardwoods that resist decay and termites — often with Class 1 durability and, in many species, a BAL-29 bushfire rating suitable for bushfire-prone areas (confirm per AS 3959). As a structural product, the exact species and durability vary with supply, so where the member is exposed, in-ground or in a bushfire area, confirm the species and its ratings. For exposed feature members, remember that structural grading addresses strength rather than appearance; specify select or appearance grade as well where the look is important. Our team can advise on species, seasoning, grade and finish for your application.
Get Your Free QuoteSustainable & Ethically Sourced
JVS Timber sources Hardwood F27 from certified producers and supplies product compliant with Australian industry standards. As a renewable, naturally durable, high-strength timber, F27 hardwood performs for decades without chemical treatment — an inherently sustainable choice, and a beautiful one. FSC- or PEFC-certified options may be available on request.
Get Your Free QuoteHardwood F27 Sizes & Availability
JVS Timber supplies Hardwood F27 in the common structural sections — such as 70, 90, 140, 190, 240 and 290 depths in 35 and 45 mm thicknesses — and in a range of lengths, seasoned or unseasoned. Whether you need a few exposed beams or bulk high-strength hardwood for a build, our team can confirm current stock, sizes and competitive trade pricing, delivered Australia-wide. Send us the sizes and lengths from your engineering documentation and we will confirm availability.
Get Your Free QuoteHardwood F27 — Frequently Asked Questions
Both are structural hardwood stress grades; the number is the characteristic bending strength in MPa, so F27 (around 27 MPa) is considerably stronger and stiffer than F17 (around 17 MPa). F17 is the everyday builder’s hardwood, while F27 is the high-strength grade for exposed beams, heavy-duty members and trusses.