If you are into woodworking, it is possible that you will come across the term Acacia wood vs Rubberwood. The Acacia vs Rubber Woods debate is an ever-lasting one and many customers are led astray by the confusion between the two. The two kinds of wood may look and feel similar to each other, but there are subtle differences between them. If you want to know about any differences or similarities between these two kinds of wood, then continue reading this article.
Contents
Origin: Acacia wood vs Rubber Wood
Acacia wood is a hardwood that comes from acacia trees, which are native to Australia but also grow in Africa and Europe. Acacia wood comes from the Acacia genus of trees and shrubs, which contains more than 1,300 species. Rubber trees are native to South America (Amazon rainforest). The trees are tapped for their latex, which they produce naturally. Rubberwood is harvested from latex rubber trees after they have stopped producing latex. These trees are harvested for their wood when they reach about 25 years of age because latex production drops significantly after this time.
Appearance:
color: Rubberwood is light-colored, with a pale brownish color that can sometimes have a pink or gray hue. Rubberwood won’t darken with age like acacia. Acacia wood, on the other hand, can vary in color from dark to pale yellow and brown, with streaks of darker brown. Acacia wood will get darker as it ages, even if you don’t refinish it.
Grain Pattern: The grain of acacia wood is typically straight with a pronounced medium texture. The acacia wood possesses an attractive grain surface. Rubberwood has a medium to coarse texture and straight grain with some figuring. The rubberwood has a fine grain pattern.
Density and Hardness:
Acacia wood is significantly harder than rubberwood. Its hardness rating on the Janka scale of hardness is 2,350 as opposed to rubberwood’s 1,640 ratings. The acacia wood has a density of 0.75 grams per cubic centimeter. As you can see, it is very dense and hard to scratch or break, compared to rubberwood. Rubberwood is quite softer than acacia wood, with a density of 0.43 grams per cubic centimeter.
Durability:
Acacia is a very dense, durable hardwood with high oil content. This makes it resistant to moisture, warping, and insects. It’s also suitable for outdoor use, though the regular application of the oil may be needed. Rubberwood is soft and durable, but not as strong as most other hardwoods. This wood is prone to chipping and splintering, so care must be needed when handling it. It’s also prone to moisture damage and warping, so it won’t last long in wet environments.
Resistance to Water:
Both acacia and rubberwood are water-resistant, but acacia is more so. This is probably why most of the items made from rubberwood are designed for dry environments, whereas those made of acacia are often used in kitchens and bathrooms. Rubberwood is not naturally waterproof. It is a very dense hardwood that is easy to work with but very heavy. Rubberwood also has a tendency to split when nailed or screwed into. The finished product is only as good as the lumber used in its construction. The main problem with rubberwood comes from the exterior layer of the wood. It has a high wax content which makes it difficult to finish properly. This results in poorly protected wood that eventually turns grayish and begins to deteriorate when exposed to moisture.
Eco-friendliness and Maintenance:
Rubberwood is commonly advertised as an “environmentally friendly” wood, as it makes use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function. In terms of eco-friendliness, rubberwood takes the lead. Acacia trees are harvested for their timber, which is used in furniture manufacturing. The trees can be replanted after harvesting, but it takes many years for them to mature and produce sufficient timber for commercial use again. Rubberwood is much more sustainable because it comes from old rubber plantations that would otherwise be cleared and burned.
Both types of wood are easy to maintain; simply wipe down with a soft damp cloth after use followed by a dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals as these may cause damage over time. Both acacia and rubberwood can be stained if desired, but don’t paint them as this will make them very hard to sand down should you need to refinish them later on.
Cost:
Natural acacia wood is less abundant than rubberwood, which makes it more expensive because of its rarity. Natural acacia wood is also harder to manufacture because it has a natural grain that can make it more difficult to cut and polish. This means that natural acacia wood furniture will be more expensive than rubberwood furniture.
Uses:
Acacia wood is often used for flooring, furniture, decks, and other outdoor structures. Acacia wood can also be used for interior decors such as flooring, tables, and chairs. Latex furniture is often made with rubberwood which makes it more durable and sturdy than other types of wood furniture. Rubberwood is also used to make musical instruments such as guitars and pianos because it can be easily carved into interesting shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between Acacia wood and rubberwood?
Acacia (also known as Blackwood) is a dense hardwood that has a medium to dark brown appearance. Rubberwood is a light-colored softwood that comes from the Para rubber tree, which is native to Southeast Asia.
Is Acacia wood high quality?
Yes, acacia wood is high quality and durable. This type of wood is resistant to scratches and dents, which makes it ideal for furniture that will be used frequently or by children. It typically has an attractive grain pattern as well.
What are the properties of acacia wood?
Acacia Wood is very high in density and has a very high level of resistance to water. It contains natural oils that repel insects.
Conclusion
The advantages of acacia wood are high strength, beautiful grain, nice color, and natural and simple shapes. Acacia is easy to find, durable, resistant to decay and insect damage. It is good to use for furniture and flooring applications. Rubberwood is more lightweight than acacia and has a better strength-to-weight ratio making it the preferred choice for some applications where weight is an issue.
