Acacia wood vs. Shittim wood; which is Better? You might have found yourself asking this question after you make the tentative decision to buy furniture made from acacia or shittim woods. Both are gorgeous woods and either option would be a great choice for your house. Drilling down a bit deeper into these two types of wood, we can see that acacia and shittim are actually two very different trees despite bearing similar names. Do you want to know more about them? Then keep reading.
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Origin: Acacia wood vs Shittim Wood
Acacia trees grow in North Africa and parts of South America, while shittim trees are native to Central America and Mexico. Shittim wood is a type of acacia wood, known as black acacia. Shittim Wood is a variety of acacia wood common to the Holy Land. It is commonly used in biblical times by carpenters and shipwrights to make boats, ships, and palaces. The acacia tree produces hardwood that is prized for its strength and durability. While Shittim trees produce softwood.
Appearance:
Color: Acacia wood comes in a range of colors, from golden hues and caramelized browns to rich dark browns with hints of burnt orange. The color deepens over time as the wood ages. Shittim wood is dark brown to black in color. Shittim wood is usually painted or stained rather than left raw like acacia. This means that it is available in a wider range of colors than acacia
Grain Pattern: Acacia wood has an extreme grain pattern that gives it a distinct look. It is characterized by its prominent cross-grain patterns and its large pores, which together create an interesting texture for furniture and flooring. Shittim wood has a more defined grain pattern than Acacia wood. This can be seen when you look at the end of the boards. The end grain of Shittim wood will show a tight, consistent pattern of rings. Acacia wood does not have this tight grain pattern; it is looser and less consistent.
Hardness and Density:
Acacia wood is stronger, harder, and more durable than Shittim wood. Acacia wood has a density of about 0.75 g/cm3 and a hardness of 4 on the Janka scale. Shittim wood has a density of about 0.5 g/cm3 and a hardness of 2 on the Janka scale.
Durability and Strength:
Acacia wood is generally stronger than Shittim wood. The strength of Acacia wood is further enhanced by the presence of lignin in it. The presence of lignin makes it strong and durable. The Shittim tree is not durable when exposed to moisture. When cut into pieces it dries very fast under the sun without being processed in any way. Due to this fact, it starts decaying after two or three years if not treated with various kinds of oils and resins. The strength of this wood is average.
Resistance to water:
Acacia wood is a hardwood that is durable and resistant to decay and insects. It is used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, and railroad ties. Shittim wood is not actually a type of wood; it is a type of acacia tree that grows in Israel. The shittim tree has been used since ancient times for its resistance to water damage. But Shittim wood is a much softer wood and easily damaged by water.
Cost:
The main difference between acacia wood vs shittim wood cost is that acacia wood is cheaper than shittim wood. Acacia wood and shittim are both hardwoods, but they come from different trees. Shittim is more commonly found in Israel than acacia, so its price has been driven up by high demand for this type of material.
Maintenance and Eco-Friendliness:
Shittim wood is more expensive but its maintenance needs are very small. Acacia wood needs frequent maintenance although it is cheaper; in time, it will make up for the extra costs that you’ll spend during its first 5 years.
Both are considered environmentally friendly because they do not release any harmful toxins into the atmosphere. However, when comparing acacia wood vs shittim wood eco-friendliness there are other factors that should be taken into consideration. The hardness of shittim makes it more difficult to manufacture than acacia so it costs more per square foot to produce than its softer counterpart.
Uses:
Acacia wood has been used to make various types of benches, tables, chairs, and other outdoor furniture items since ancient times. Shittim wood has been used since biblical times to construct furniture and religious items such as the Ark of the Covenant. The wood’s hardness and resistance to insects were used for making furniture and musical instruments, in addition to temple furnishings. Shittim wood is very heavy wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stain acacia wood?
Yes. Acacia wood can be stained easily with a darker stain if you want to change the color of it.
What is the difference between acacia wood vs shittim wood?
Acacia wood was used for the construction of the tabernacle and its furniture. Shittim wood was used for the construction of Noah’s ark. They are both hardwoods and perhaps should be considered one and the same. The biggest difference between acacia wood and shittim wood is the color. Acacia wood has a medium brown color while shittim wood has a red-brown color. Acacia is also more porous than shittim allowing it to absorb more oil and polish.
What is acacia good for?
Acacia is good for furniture, flooring, and outdoor use thanks to its durability and resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. Acacia is also often used in musical instruments due to its hardness, which helps create a bright sound.
Conclusion
Acacia is a beautiful and useful wood that comes in five species of trees. The shittim tree is another sturdy wood similar to acacia. These two kinds of wood are often used interchangeably and both produce high-quality timber. However, the shittim tree is native to the Middle East and Western Asia. Acacia can be found in the tropics and sub-tropics, but it makes its home in Africa. It can also be noted that acacia wood has a brownish hue, while shittim wood is almost pure white.
