Have you ever asked, “What kind of wood is acacia” or wondered, “what type of wood is acacia?” Wonder no more. Acacia wood is a durable hardwood that is used for patio furniture, decks, playground equipment, and more. Below is a quick rundown of this question.
Contents
Origin of Acacia wood
Acacia is a hardwood. Acacia is a genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the subfamily Mimosoideae of the legume family Fabaceae. It was formerly ranked as a family and is still classified as such by some botanists. Acacia comes from Africa, but it’s also found in Australia, America, and Asia. It grows best in areas with hot climates. The trees live for up to 200 years, but they are cut down long before that because they produce more timber than needed for their lifespan.
Species of Acacia wood
There are several species of acacia tree that produce different types of wood. In fact, around 1,300 species of acacia can be found in Australia. The most common type of acacia is called gum arabic or mimosa tree, which produces sap that can be used as an ingredient in glue or chewing gum.
- Other species include true acacia (which has many uses), cedar-leaved acacia (which produces strong lumber),
- and South African black wattle (which produces decorative veneer).
- The best quality acacia wood comes from mature trees found in Australia. The logs are sawn lengthwise into large planks that can easily be varnished or polished to give them a smooth finish. there are two Acacia wood types according to the region:
True Acacias
The true acacias are native to Australia and they’re the largest genus in the legume family. They have over 1,000 species that grow as small shrubs or large trees (up to 131 feet tall). Their leaves have either a feathery appearance or they’re flat and wide. Most people are familiar with true acacias because they’re commonly used as shade trees in gardens and parks.
Mimosa Acacias
The mimosa acacias are native to Africa and South America, but they’ve also been cultivated in Asia for their timber. They’re not related to the true acacias; however, both groups belong to the same legume family. In fact, there are over 100 species of mimosa
Acacia Wood Characteristics
Hardness:
Acacia has a hardness rating of 2200 on the Janka scale which means that it’s one of the hardest woods available. This makes it a great choice for applications where durability is important such as floors or cabinets where they might get scratched or bumped up against frequently over time.
Density:
Acacia has a density rating of approximately 1,200 pounds per cubic foot which means that it’s heavier than most other types of woods including oak which has an average density rating
It’s Attractive:
It usually has fine but visible grains, making it popular for use in both modern and rustic design styles. Acacia is so sturdy that it can be used for flooring in commercial buildings; it’s also used to make boats and musical instruments like guitars. It usually has fine but visible grains, making it popular for use in both modern and rustic design styles. The wood also has a natural yellow tint that darkens slightly over time. Acacia is a particularly good choice if you want your furniture to have a rustic feel.
Highly Stable:
Unlike most woods, acacia trees grow in dry climates, which means they have higher concentrations of resin and tannins than other types of wood. This robustness makes them ideal for outdoor furniture, as they are sturdy enough to stand up to the elements while maintaining their elegance.
Resistant to water- In addition to its strength and aesthetic appeal, acacia wood is also highly water-resistant because of its dense grain, making it highly desirable for use in building furniture or flooring in humid areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Affordable- Acacia wood has become more popular as it has become harder to find natural hardwoods that are not endangered species. Acacia wood is an affordable alternative to other types of expensive hardwoods such as mahogany or teak.
Distinction from other woods
- Acacia wood is different from most other types of wood, such as maple and oak. It’s not just that it has a different color, texture, or grain pattern—these other woods aren’t as durable as acacia.
- Acacia is often confused with teak, but they’re actually quite different. Teak comes from Asia, while acacia comes from Africa and Australia; teak is a tropical hardwood and acacia is a temperate hardwood; and teak has a much higher oil content than acacia does, which gives it a higher resistance against water damage. Acacia also tends to be cheaper than teak because it’s easier to get in bulk. But like teak, acacia will darken over time when exposed to light.
- Acacia wood is sometimes referred to as Australian mahogany because it resembles mahogany in color, appearance, and texture but it is not related to mahogany or any other species in the mahogany family (Meliaceae).
Conclusion
Acacia Wood is derived from trees or shrubs. Most of these trees and shrubs are naturally growing in Africa. There are many kinds of Acacia grown in South Africa and other parts of the world. Compared to other woods, Acacia wood is tougher and more durable and it adds a unique and rich look to your furniture. It can preserve the color for a very long time even after exposure to strong ultraviolet lights which makes it ideal for outdoor furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acacia a strong wood?
Yes! Acacia is a very strong hardwood that’s highly resistant to rot and decay which makes it great for outdoor use. It’s also naturally resistant to many insects.
What Kinds of Acacia Are Available?
You will find three basic types of acacia: African, Australian, and Hawaiian. Each type has its own characteristics that make it unique from the others. The main difference between them is how they are harvested and processed.
How much does acacia cost?
The price of acacia depends on factors such as whether you buy it in bulk or by the piece, as well as the type of finish you want on your project (stain, varnish, or lacquer). Overall, acacia tends to be less expensive than other hardwoods like mahogany or oak because it’s softer and less dense than those types of wood.