Marri Wood - A Unique Option for Your Home

The Marri Tree

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world seemed to stand still, we received a call that would set a new course for our carpentry business. Seth, a financier turned accidental expatriate, had been vacationing in Australia when global shutdowns left him and his family stranded. Embracing their extended stay, Seth’s passion for woodworking led him to discover the marri tree—a species native to Western Australia. Enthralled by its beauty, he proposed an enticing arrangement: he would send this unique timber back to our Massachusetts workshop for storage and, in return, receive half of it for his own projects. The prospect of working with Australian wood was too alluring to decline, marking the beginning of a remarkable friendship and a new chapter in our craft.

The marri tree, often referred to as red gum due to its distinctive red protrusions, is indigenous to Western Australia. In fact the word “marri” is an indigenous word for blood because of the dark red gum the trees bleed. Its timber showcases a striking contrast between dark red gum veins and yellow to pale brown heartwood, with sapwood that is noticeably paler, often tending to white. This interplay of colors gives marri wood its unique character, making each piece of timber a canvas of nature’s artistry. The wood possesses a rather coarse but even texture with slightly interlocked grain, and while gum veins are common, logs are generally sound to the center.

Marri’s aesthetic appeal is matched by its functional qualities. Its density and durability make it a favored choice for modern household furniture and flooring. The finished honey-colored timber, accentuated by its distinctive vein structure, adds warmth and elegance to interiors. However, the high gum content can result in lower recovery rates of first-grade timber, presenting challenges in sourcing clear, large sections. Yet, this very characteristic contributes to its unique appearance, with gum veins adding to the timber’s charm.

I admit, the marri wood was never really on my radar for furniture pieces before, but working with marri has been a  rewarding journey. Its ability to accept finishes gracefully allows for a range of aesthetic outcomes, from rustic to refined. The wood’s stability ensures that it remains resilient over time, making it suitable for both furniture and flooring applications. Our collaboration with Seth not only introduced us to this remarkable timber but also enriched our craft, enabling us to offer clients distinctive pieces that tell a story of resilience and discovery. We now proudly recommend marri for dining tables and other furniture, confident that its unique beauty and durability will bring lasting joy to any home.

The Marri Tree, native to Australia, can grow as tall as 100 feet!

The Marri Tree excretes or ‘bleeds’ a red gum giving it the name “Marri” meaning blood.

The veins in the Marri wood give it a unique and sophisticated look when finished as seen in this dining table.