Most people are unaware that Australia is home to hundreds of species of trees. Around 80 of them are widely used as timber for the construction industry; these timbers are used in all types of buildings and the craftsmanship of furniture and household items. The resiliency of Australian timber is unquestionable, and well known around the world. In fact, woods gathered from old buildings are being re-purposed throughout Australia and make their way into new homes and custom-made furniture, among many other things.

Here are top reasons why you should use Australian wood in your home:

1. Termite resistance. Many trees that grow “down under” have a natural resistance to termites. They have tougher heartwood, which termites are unable to penetrate because of its hardness, density, and impermeability. Of course, the level of termite resistance varies among different species. Examples of Australian wood that have this characteristic are Forest Red Gum, Slash Pine, Red Iron Bark, Blackbutt, Australian Cypress, Blush Alder, and White Mahogany.

2. Durability. The durability of Australian wood ranges between Class 1 and Class 4. Class 1 is the most durable wood you can get, and Class 4 is the least durable. A number of Australian timbers have Class 1 durability in both in-ground and above-ground environments. Among them are Spearwood Brigalow, Northern Cypress, and Grey Ironbark. These woods have a life expectancy of around 25 years in-ground and more than 40 years when placed above-ground. Some Australian woods like Red Cedar only have Class 2 durability, but still have reasonable life spans of 15 to 40 years above-ground.

3. Low maintenance. The beauty of Australian timber comes from trees that grow in an arid environment, making these naturally tougher than timber found in other climates. Furniture made from these woods require low maintenance and can be easily cleaned with only a soft cloth. Hardy Australian timbers don’t require added treatments to last longer, which is its main reason for popularity. If you get a termite-resistant variety, it is virtually zero maintenance.

4. Eco-friendly. Compared to other construction materials, wood is definitely more environmental-friendly. This is especially true when using recycled Australian timber for new construction projects. Instead of letting previously used wood go to waste, companies like Time 4 Timber repurpose them into sturdy and equally beautiful custom-made furniture. The company also sells recycled Australian wood which you can employ for constructions or small home projects.