Many people believe that acacia wood vs maple wood doesn’t really make much of a difference. They are both hard, durable woods and they both look similar and are strong. Although acacia wood vs maple wood may look similar and be strong, there is a huge difference between the two, especially when it concerns furniture. This article will serve as an informative post giving you the complete details of acacia vs maple so you can make an informed decision when purchasing this type of wood for your next project.
Contents
Origin: Acacia wood vs Maple wood
The origin of the Acacia wood comes from the Acacia trees which are native to Australia, Africa, and Asia. However, since it’s not very common in Europe and North America, the wood is often imported from these countries. The Maple originates from North America, Canada, and Europe. Maple wood is a hardwood that grows in North America, but mostly in Canada. The areas that have maple trees are called maple forests.
Appearance:
Color: Acacia is a type of light-colored wood that comes in different shades of yellowish-brown to reddish-brown. The difference in color tones comes from the different types of acacia trees. Maple has creamy white sapwood and red to reddish-brown heartwood. The sapwood may be more than one-half the width of the piece with stripes that are darker than the sapwood. The heartwood does not always show good contrast with the sapwood.
Grain Pattern: The most obvious difference between the two is that Maple wood has a closed-grain pattern (meaning the end grain is not as visible) and Acacia wood has an open grain pattern. The closed grain pattern of Maple wood gives it a smooth and soft texture, whereas Acacia wood has a more rough and coarse texture.
Hardness and Density:
Acacia is harder than Maple. Acacia wood has a rating of 2300, whereas maple is at 1450. Acacia wood has a higher Janka hardness rating than maple wood. This means it can withstand more pressure without being damaged.
Acacia has a density of 0.72 g/cm³, whereas Maple has a density of 0.63 g/cm³, which means that Acacia is 13% denser than Maple. Wood with a high wood density is heavier and more durable than wood with a lower density.
Durability and Strength:
Acacia wood is far more durable than maple wood. Maple wood is very soft and cannot be used in heavy-duty areas. However, acacia wood is extremely hard and can be used in areas that need to withstand a lot of weight.
Acacia is stronger than maple when used as outdoor furniture or exposed to water or moisture frequently. This makes it ideal for outdoor use or in areas where humidity may be an issue (like the bathroom).
Resistance to Water:
Acacia has a high natural oil content, which makes it resistant to insects and water damage. However, it’s also considerably softer than maple and can be easily damaged by impact. On the other hand, maple doesn’t have the same natural resilience against insects and water damage as acacia, but it’s much harder and more durable than acacia.
Maintenance and Eco-Friendliness:
As far as maintenance is concerned, Acacia wood is easier to maintain than maple, which can be damaged by water and moisture. Acacia is relatively easy to take care of because of its density. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dust particles and food bits. Maple, on the other hand, requires more maintenance because it’s naturally softer. It should be wiped down regularly with a damp cloth and dried immediately before wiping again with a dry cloth. It may need to be refinished every few years to keep the shine.
Acacia wood is Eco-friendly because it’s a fast-growing plant that doesn’t deplete the soil of its nutrients. On the other hand, Maple wood is not an Eco-friendly option because it’s slow-growing and takes longer to regenerate after harvesting.
Cost:
The cost of acacia wood is more than the cost of maple wood because the process of making acacia wood into furniture requires more labor and skills as compared to making maple furniture. Acacia wood is slightly more expensive than maple wood. A board foot of acacia wood costs $2 to $3, while aboard foot of maple wood costs $1.50 to $2. A major reason for the difference in price between the two kinds of wood is that acacia is relatively rare compared with maple. In addition, acacia wood comes from a tree that grows very slowly, which means it takes longer for the tree to mature enough for harvesting.
Uses:
Acacia is used for furniture making and decorative purposes, as well as in the construction industry. It can also be used for shipbuilding and flooring. Maple wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, interior trim, and paneling. It is also used in musical instruments, especially drums and guitars.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between Acacia and Maple woods?
Acacia wood is generally darker than Maple wood. The color of the wood will vary from a light tan to a darker brown. Acacia wood can also have a reddish tint to it. Acacia wood is stronger and more durable than maple wood. Acacia wood is a hard, dense tropical wood with a rich grain, while maple wood is a dense yet lightweight wood that is known for its beautiful grain patterns and smooth texture.
What are the benefits of Acacia wood?
Acacia is a dense, hard material that resists scratching and damage from moisture more effectively than maple. It has an attractive, distinctive dark grain pattern that makes it an excellent alternative to traditional woods like maple for furniture and flooring.
Is acacia wood toxic?
No, it is non-toxic so it can be used as a dinner plate or a serving board for food items like cheese or fruit platters without any risk of contamination from the wood itself.
Conclusion
Overall though, I would lean towards acacia wood. Acacia is a more durable and reliable option than maple. While maple also provides a great product, it’s not as durable as acacia—which means you’ll have to replace it sooner. Acacia might be a little bit more pricey, but the longevity of the product absolutely makes up for it. Acacia wood is white and creamy, almost like albino wood. Maple, on the other hand, is a little darker, with yellow undertones that you can see through the paint if it is thinned out enough. Acacia is used for furniture making and decorative purposes. Maple wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, interior trim, and panelling.
