Common name:Rimu
Botanical name:Dacrydium cupressinum
WHY USE RIMU?
Rimu is one of the most used and most popular of our native timbers. Due to being used extensively in our older character homes as both a structural and finishing timber, it is probably our best-known native species. Rimu has been proven as a remarkably versatile and exceptionally beautiful timber. In recent years there has been a revival in popularity of recycled Rimu for mouldings and trim in renovated buildings, and it remains a very popular furniture timber. Rimu timber sourced from sustainably managed forests.
APPEARANCE AND DESCRIPTION
The heartwood timber varies in colour from dark reddish brown to yellowish brown, with irregular streaks. The sapwood is a uniform pale brown.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Durability:
Rimu has moderate durability, with the heartwood (class 3) more durable than the sapwood (class 4).
Mechanical properties:
| Density at 12% moisture content | 519 kg/m3 |
| Modulus of elasticity | 9.65 GPa |
| Modulus of rupture | 85.6 MPa |
| Shear strength parallel to grain | 10.56 MPa |
| Compression strength parallel to grain | 39.15 MPa |
| Side Hardness | 3.62 kN |
| Tangential shrinkage – green to 12% MC | 4.4% |
| Radial Shrinkage – green to 12% MC | 2.5% |
Machining:
Rimu is an excellent finishing timber. It turns well and will allow a high-class finish.
Glueing and coating considerations:
Rimu takes coatings very well and is easily glued and finished.