You might have come across two different types of woods with exotic names. Acacia and Birch. But how do you rank these two kinds of wood in terms of quality? What are their differences? Which is better? Let us take a look at some basic and more advanced details on these two kinds of wood. I will discuss their physical properties, specific uses, and their differences based on hardness, density, durability, strength, etc.
Contents
Origin: Acacia wood Vs Birch wood
Birch and Acacia are both hardwoods. Acacia is a type of tree that grows in Africa, Australia, and Southern Asia. The trees are native to Africa but were brought to the other two continents by settlers. There are over 1,200 species of acacia tree globally. Birch is a hardwood harvested from birch trees. Birch wood comes from birch trees, which are found in Europe, Asia, and North America. The tree grows in temperate climates with moist soil that drains well. Birch trees can reach heights of up to 100 feet tall at maturity.
Appearance:
Color: Acacia wood color is a dark brown or golden with a touch of honey. After finishing, the color can be darkened or lightened as needed. Birchwood is a pale yellow-tan with a hint of brown. Birch wood is generally light blonde color. Birch wood tends to have very distinct patterns that are more pronounced than Acacia wood.
Grain Pattern: Acacia wood has less prominent grain lines than Birch wood does. The grain pattern of acacia wood is often quite distinct and very beautiful. It is characterized by a strong, straight-line grain with a wavy, figured appearance. Birch grain pattern tends to be straight and fine, but it can have wavy patterns as well. The figure in birch is varied, including burls, curls, birds-eye, and blotches.
Hardness and Density:
The Janka rating for Acacia wood is 2300Ibf while that of Birch wood is 1260 Ibf. The higher the rating, the harder it is to scratch or dent the surface of the material. Since Birch has a lower rating, it indicates that this type of wood is softer than Acacia.
Acacia wood has a higher density than birch wood. The density of acacia wood is around 45lbs/ft3 while the density of birch wood is around 40lbs/ft3. This means that acacia wood is almost 13% denser than birch wood.
Durability and Strength:
Both Acacia and Birch are durable woods, but Acacia is a much more durable wood than Birch. Acacia wood is durable and strong. It can last for many years if cared for properly. Because it’s so durable, it’s often used in high-traffic areas like dining rooms, entryways, and kitchens.
Acacia wood is much stronger than birch wood. While birch wood is strong, it is prone to denting and scratching as it has a very hard surface. Acacia wood, on the other hand, is more durable. It will scratch but only with very hard objects and over a prolonged period of time.
Resistance to Water:
While both the woods are naturally resistant to water, Acacia is more resistant to water than birch. It is for this reason that acacia is used for making boats and ships as it does not crack or rot when it comes in contact with water. Acacia wood is resistant to water, termites, and rot. Acacia wood has a high oil content that makes it moisture resistant while still being flexible enough to hold its shape over time.
Maintenance and Eco-Friendliness:
Acacia wood is considered eco-friendly because it grows in abundance and can be harvested without damaging the tree. While acacia trees can regrow themselves after harvesting, birch trees do have to be replanted when they are harvested for their timber. This makes them less eco-friendly than acacia trees from a resource perspective.
Acacia wood is also easy to maintain. It has a high oil content and will not absorb liquids easily; therefore, it does not stain easily. This makes clean-up very simple if you spill something on your acacia furniture or flooring. Birch requires very little maintenance, but one must be careful when using it around water. If left outside for long periods of time, the wood will begin to rot and deteriorate.
Cost:
Birch wood is usually cheaper than acacia wood because it is more common. Acacia, on the other hand, has a unique coloration and pattern which makes it look very attractive. Birch costs between $3 to $5 per square foot while Acacia ranges from $6 to $9 per square foot. Acacia wood has a high cost, which makes it difficult for people to afford this kind of wood for their furniture.
Uses:
The acacia wood is durable and hardwood, it has many properties such as resistance to insects and moisture. The main uses of this wood are the manufacture of furniture, decks, boatbuilding, flooring, veneers, and pulpwood. Birch wood is a hard and light wood, This wood is used for the manufacture of wood pulp for papermaking, plywood, firewood, and for frames in houses. Birch plywood is commonly used as cabinetry due to its excellent durability and beautiful looks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which one is better – Acacia or Birch?
If you want to use this type of wood for outdoor furniture, you should go with Acacia because it is more resistant to rot and decay than Birch. Otherwise, there is no significant difference in terms of quality between the two types of wood.
What is the difference between Acacia and Birch?
Acacia trees are flowering plants of the wattle family, native to Australia and Southeast Asia. Acacia wood has a rich grain pattern that includes darker browns, oranges, and yellows. Birch trees are native to North America and can be found in colder climates around the world. Birch wood varies in color from white to reddish-brown with a fine grain pattern throughout.
Can I use Acacia wood outdoors?
Yes, Acacia wood is perfect for outdoor use as it resists weathering and mold growth better than other timbers. It will last longer when exposed to the elements.
Conclusion
Acacia and Birch are two different species of trees. Acacia trees are flowering plants of the wattle family, native to Australia and Southeast Asia. Birch trees are native to North America and can be found in colder climates around the world. Both of these woods are used in the furniture industry. They are also popular materials for flooring, veneer, plywood, and other products. Acacia is usually harder than Birch, which makes it more durable. Birch is not as strong as Acacia, but it has a more distinctive grain pattern. When it comes to appearance, there is not much difference between these two types of wood. Both have a straight grain with an even texture and closed pores. Depending on your preference, you can choose from a lighter or darker shade of each type of wood.
