Are acacia and pine the same? That question has been asked by a lot of people, both in raising their own plant and when they are buying wood to make furniture. So, if you have asked yourself that question, and want an answer to that question, then this article will help you know what is the difference between Acacia and pine.
Contents
Origin:
The acacia tree originates in Africa but grows readily in many parts of Australia and Asia. Acacia is a resilient wood that can withstand the test of time, which is why it’s a favorite for unfinished furniture. The pine tree is an evergreen that is native to North America, but worldwide cultivation has made it a popular choice all over the world. Pine comes from North America under conditions that aren’t ideal for producing quality lumber. Pine requires more upkeep and pesticides to grow, so it isn’t as environment-friendly as acacia.
Growth time:
The acacia tree grows fast, especially in tropical areas with high temperatures and little rainfall. Acacia trees are fast-growing and grow in tropical, subtropical, and arid regions while Pine trees are slow-growing and grow in cooler climates. Acacia trees take about 7-10 years to grow fully, whereas pine trees can take around 20-30 years.
Appearance:
Color:
Acacia wood has a beautiful natural golden color with streaks of dark brown that give it a unique look and feel. Pine is a very pale yellow, nearly white. It tends to darken over time with exposure to light. Because it has a soft grain, it’s pretty easy to distress for a more rustic look.
Grain pattern:
The grain pattern of Acacia wood looks more beautiful than Pinewood. It has a straight grain pattern, which gives it a unique look. Acacia has an open grain pattern, so the texture can be more prominent in some pieces. The grain pattern of pine wood has large knots, which makes it unsuitable for some furniture applications.
Density and Hardness:
Acacia wood is a hardwood and its density is high, which makes it heavy and durable. Acacia wood has a density of 0.73 g/cm3. Pinewood has a density of 0.4-0.65 g/cm3.
The hardness of Acacia wood vs Pinewood depends on their densities and how much lignin they contain. Lignin is a polymer found in the secondary cell walls along with cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Pinewood contains more lignin than Acacia wood and so it is harder than Acacia wood. Acacia has a Janka rating of 2,450 lbs, while pine only scores 870 lbs on average (though some varieties can be as high as 1,050 lbs).
Durability and Resistance:
Acacia wood is a durable hardwood that resists weather and wears, making it ideal for use outdoors. Pine is not true hardwood, but it’s a popular choice for indoor furniture and crafts. This kind of wood does not last as long as acacia. Dents and scratches are more likely to occur. The acacia wood, in contrast, is among the world’s most durable woods. Acacia wood resists scratching and denting well. You can even use it for making heavy-duty furniture. In addition, acacia wood also has a natural resistance to mold and mildew.
Strength:
Pine is a softwood, which means it lacks strength and can easily be bent or damaged if heavy loads are placed upon it. However, you can use pine in some applications where strength isn’t a factor, such as shelving in your home. Acacia wood, on the other hand, features medium density, which means its strength is greater than that of pine. If you’re considering using acacia wood in a high-stress application like building a coffee table, consider using acacia hardwood instead as it will be much stronger than its medium-density counterpart.
Cost:
Acacia is considered a premium hardwood, so it’s more expensive than pine. Yet it’s typically not as expensive as other hardwoods like oak or teak. Acacia wood costs more than pine because it is a harder wood. However, the extra cost may be worth the money because acacia furniture will last longer. Pine costs between $7 and $12 per board foot, whereas acacia ranges from $8 to $14 per board foot.
Uses:
Acacia wood and pine wood are two different types of wood that are used in various projects. Acacia wood is strong, durable, resistant to termites, and heavy. Acacia wood is mostly used for furniture, musical instruments, hardwood flooring, veneer, and plywood. Pinewood is lightweight and easy to cut. Pinewood is the most popular softwood and is commonly used for boxes, crates, pallets, construction posts, interior door frames, and outdoor furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of using Acacia wood?
One of the major benefits of using Acacia wood is that it can be used even in extreme conditions like heat and humidity. It has a resistance to pests such as termites and carpenter bees. Moreover, Acacia is an eco-friendly choice for furniture because it grows quickly and is easily replenished.
What are the differences in appearance between Acacia and Pine?
Acacia will have a variety of color tones from light brown to dark brown to black, with a thick grain and a glossy finish whereas Pine ranges in color from pale yellow to red to brown, with an open grain and a matte finish.
What are the differences in strength between Acacia and Pine?
The Janka Hardness Scale ranks wood species by how hard they are, with acacia scoring 2200 while pine scores only 710, making it much softer than acacia wood. This means that acacia has greater durability compared to pine wood when exposed to high amounts of pressure or force.
Conclusion
Acacia and Pine are both hardwoods, they offer different benefits for use in specific applications. The biggest difference between Acacia and Pine is their appearance. Acacia has a distinct tight grain and a reddish hue, which produces an attractive finished product. With its light color, Pine is a cheaper alternative to Acacia. On the other hand, Acacia is more expensive than Pine due to its supply and demand issues. Acacia wood is more durable than pine wood. Acacia wood is stronger, harder, and tougher than pine wood. Termites and other parasites are less attracted to the wood of acacia trees. The density of the wood makes it more durable against harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, heat, and moisture. Well-made acacia furniture looks more elegant than pine.
