Beautiful Rata Timber Slab – Rare NZ Native Hardwood (2.75m)

This auction is for one solid Rata timber slab, a rare and stunning piece sourced from New Plymouth under MPI-approved milling about 12 years ago. This is a true collector’s piece — rich in color, extremely dense, and highly sought after for fine furniture and artistic woodworking.

Slab Dimensions: * Length: 2.75 meters * Width: 58–65–45 cm (natural live edge) * Thickness: 9 cm * Estimated Weight: ~150 kg * RRP: $2,500 (for this slab)

Processing & Condition: * Top sanded to #40 grit to reveal its natural purple and reddish hues * Air-dried for 10 years * Optional kiln drying to 12–14% MC available for $100 (recommended for precision joinery)

About Rata Wood:

Rata is one of New Zealand’s rarest and most dense native hardwoods, valued for its fine grain, deep reddish-brown tones, and exceptional strength. * Northern Rata (Metrosideros robusta): Found throughout the North Island * Southern Rata (M. umbellata): Denser and found mainly on the South Island’s west coast * Density: * Northern Rata ~880 kg/m³ * Southern Rata up to ~1140 kg/m³ — among NZ’s heaviest hardwoods

Perfect For: * High-end tabletops or kitchen benchtops * Heirloom-quality furniture * Artistic turning, carving, or joinery * Timber collectors or New Zealand native wood enthusiasts

Pickup: Kumeu, Auckland Freight assistance available — please enquire for a quote