Strong, Durable Australian Hardwood Posts
JVS Timber hardwood posts are cut from dense, naturally durable Australian hardwoods — most commonly Spotted Gum and the ironbarks, which combine high strength with Class 1 durability and natural resistance to termites and decay. That makes them ideal for posts that must carry load and last, indoors or out, without relying on chemical treatment. The same density gives the timber a rich colour and grain that looks superb dressed and oiled, so a hardwood post is as much a feature as a structural element. Hardwood posts are supplied in a wide range of square sections — from around 100 x 100 mm up to large 300 x 300 mm feature posts — and in a choice of lengths, dressed (smooth) for a clean finish or rough sawn for a rustic look or where they will be clad or buried. For structural posts carrying load, the timber can be stress-graded; for in-ground use, durability class is the critical factor. Our team can help you choose the right species, size and grade for your application.
Why Choose Hardwood Post
Technical Specifications
Product
Solid Australian hardwood posts
Common species
Spotted Gum, ironbark (and other durable hardwoods)
Natural durability
Class 1 above ground; durable species also suit in-ground
Termite resistance
Naturally resistant (durable heartwood species)
Bushfire
Often BAL-29 capable (species dependent; confirm per AS 3959)
Finish
Dressed (smooth) or rough sawn
Square sizes
approx. 100 x 100 mm to 300 x 300 mm (e.g. 125, 150, 200)
Lengths
Range of set lengths; larger sizes often cut to order
Typical uses
Verandah, deck, pergola, gazebo, feature & structural posts
Where Hardwood Posts Perform Best
Verandah and patio posts.
Deck posts and deck stumps.
Pergola, gazebo and carport posts.
Bold feature and entry posts (dressed and oiled).
Structural posts carrying load (stress-graded, sized by engineer).
In-ground posts where a Class 1 durable species is specified.
Installing and Maintaining Hardwood Posts
Hardwood is dense and hard, so pre-drill for all fixings and use high-quality fixings and post fittings — stainless steel for exposed and coastal work — to prevent splitting and corrosion. Above-ground structural posts are typically fixed to footings with galvanised or stainless post supports/stirrups, which is good practice as it keeps the post base off the ground and dry. Where posts are set in-ground, use a Class 1 durable species (or an appropriately treated post), concrete in with drainage at the base, and follow good detailing to shed water. For structural posts carrying load, size and fix them in accordance with the relevant standards and a project engineer where required. To preserve the colour of dressed feature posts, finish with a quality exterior oil or coating and re-apply periodically; left uncoated, durable hardwood weathers to a silver-grey while retaining its strength. Seal cut ends, especially on posts exposed to the weather or set in-ground.
Get Your Free QuoteHardwood Post Durability & Standards
Durability class is the most important specification for a post, and it depends on where the post will be used. For above-ground posts — verandah, deck and pergola posts on stirrups — a Class 1 or Class 2 durable hardwood performs for decades. For in-ground posts, the requirement is stricter: specify a Class 1 in-ground durable species such as ironbark, or an appropriately H4/H5-treated post if a less durable species is used, since constant ground contact is the most demanding exposure. Many of the dense species used for posts are also BAL-29 capable, suiting them to bushfire-prone areas, but this depends on the species supplied, so confirm the species and its durability and bushfire ratings for your application against the relevant standards. Our team can advise on the right species and finish for an above-ground or in-ground post.
Get Your Free QuoteSustainable & Ethically Sourced
JVS Timber sources hardwood posts from certified producers and supplies product compliant with Australian industry standards. A naturally durable hardwood post that lasts for decades without chemical treatment is an inherently sustainable choice, avoiding the waste of early replacement. Many suppliers also reclaim durable hardwood for posts; FSC- or PEFC-certified options may be available on request.
Get Your Free QuoteHardwood Post Sizes & Availability
JVS Timber supplies hardwood posts in a wide range of square sections — popular sizes include 100 x 100, 125 x 125, 150 x 150 and 200 x 200 mm, up to large 300 x 300 mm feature posts — dressed or rough sawn, in a choice of lengths. Larger and longer posts are often cut to order, so confirm lead times. Whether you need a single feature post or bulk posts for a project, our team can confirm current stock, species, sizes and competitive trade pricing, delivered Australia-wide.
Get Your Free QuoteHardwood Post — Frequently Asked Questions
Spotted Gum and ironbark are the most popular choices — both are dense, very strong and Class 1 durable, with natural termite and decay resistance and (for many species) a BAL-29 rating. Ironbark is the toughest and best for in-ground and rocky-ground use; Spotted Gum is prized for its colour and grain.