Rimu

Sizes available: 128 x 19mm / 165 x 19mm / 172 x 19mm / 200 x 19mm / 200 x 19mm / 210 x 19mm / 220 x 19

Finishes Available: Can be Stained, Polyurethaned and Oiled, cannot be lightened.

Surface type: Smooth

Scientific Name: Dacrydium cupressinum

Rimu is a dense native timber of NZ. It is deep reddish brown in colour and is strong and durable. A stunning timber - one of the most beautiful in the world with a fine textured grain. It is found mostly on the west coast of the South Island, currently only a portion of this timber is available to bring harvests in line with sustainable levels. Rimu also is available in heart or sap wood. Heart Rimu has more grain to it than the sap. 

Fun Facts: 

Rimu is a member of the ancient Podocarp family whose lineage stretches back to a time when the New Zealand landmass was still part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Māori found a variety of uses for the wood as well. They used it to make spears, canoes, torches and a host of other tools and useful implements.

Rimu is a superior building wood that was commonly used by early colonists in New Zealand for constructing houses, cabinets and furniture. Because of extensive logging its range was greatly reduced and Government policies now prevent it from being logged on public land. The majority of Rimu wood that is used for flooring is demolition wood, there is plenty around with the demolition of many old state homes, Halls and Factories where beams and wide boards are re-purposed to flooring.

Feel free to try Captain Cook’s Recipe for Rimu Beer!

1. Boil small branches of rimu and Manuka in a large drum for three to four hours or until the bark can be stripped easily.

2. Take the branches out and add as much molasses as required, 10 litres of molasses will make around 60 litres of beer.

3. Pour the mixture into separate casks and add an equal quantity of cold water, according to your taste.

4. When the mixture is milk-warm, add anything that will cause fermentation such as yeast or beer grounds.

5. In a few days the beer will be fit to drink!

Source: The Meaning of Trees, Robert Vennell