What is Acacia Wood?
Acacia wood is heavy, durable, stable, and beautiful high-demand hardwood. It is a versatile wood that can be used for any commercial purposes such as furniture, flooring, serving bowls, and many more. Wood is famous for its natural strength and deep, rich hues.
Acacia Wood is known for its chocolate-brown or rusty red color appearance. The colors and hardness of different species may vary. Its properties make it different from other hardwoods.
Woodworkers believe that even after the acacia wood is hard and heavy, it is easy to work with hand and machine tools.
There are about 1350 species of Acacia worldwide, of which about 1000 species are found in Australia. Rest species of Acacia are found in Asia and the Pacific islands.
There is a difference in the physical properties of the species of Acacia Wood. Some species are very heavy and hard.
In some countries of Asia (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh), Acacia wood is known as Babul.
| Scientific name | Acacia |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Wood color | Rich reddish-brown to dark brown |
| Tree Height | 15–30 meters (49–98 ft) tall, with 12 meters (39 ft) trunk diameter. |
| Workability | Easy to work with power and hand tools. |
| Finishing | Finish well |
| Rot Resistant | Rot-resistant |
| Availability | It is easily available in Australia and Asia |
| Type | Hardwood |
| Uses | Furniture, Flooring, kitchen accessories, decorative items, and much more. |
Acacia wood Uses
Furniture
Selecting wood for making furniture is a really difficult process. We spend a lot of money making good-looking quality furniture. In this case, we have a lot of wood options for making furniture.
But Acacia wood is the best option for making all types of furniture. Because it has all the necessary qualities to make durable and good-looking furniture.
Acacia wood gives a smooth dark brown finishing. So that the furniture gets a deep rich look.
Apart from furniture, acacia wood is a good choice for construction beams due to its good strength.
Acacia wood does not require lots of care and maintenance.
Acacia Wood Flooring
Hardwood flooring has always been in trend, Owners have more trust in hardwood flooring than softwood flooring. Because hardwoods are hard and strong, So it is less prone to dents and scratches.
Acacia wood is the perfect wood for flooring. It doesn’t scratch easily. it is moderate water-resistant, So it’s more stable and won’t wrap easily. Acacia wood is also rot-resistant so it is not affected by fungus.
These are some of the reasons why you should use acacia hardwood flooring.
- Acacia is dark wood, So it does not fade easily or is less prone to fade.
- Its deep dark brown color increases the resale value of the home and visual appeal. Dark wood flooring is eye-catching.
- Acacia wood flooring does not require wood staining, as its natural dark color is already attractive.
Kitchen Accessories
Acacia wood is the first choice for making kitchen accessories such as wooden cutting boards, trays, tissue holders, wooden bowls, and lots more.
Acacia Hardwood is widely used for making kitchen accessories, especially cutting boards. Because it is durable and extremely hard.
Knife marks and scratches appear on softwood cutting boards after just a few days of use. This problem does not occur in hardwood.
Another big reason to use acacia wood to make kitchen items is that it is 100% safe. Some wood naturally releases oil, which is harmful to health. Such wood should be avoided in the kitchen.
Acacia wood has dense and closed grains, which makes it anti-dust and anti-bacterial.
Decorative Items
Acacia wood is widely used for making decorative items. It looks attractive after finishing. It is easy to carve and shape.
Acacia wood Advantages and Disadvantages
Each wood species has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s know about acacia wood.
Advantages
Durable
Acacia wood is one of the hardest woods. It is naturally rot-resistant and insect resistant.
If you are searching wood for durable furniture and flooring then acacia can be a better choice. It does not require maintenance for many decades.
Beautiful Appearance
Acacia wood is known for its excellent color and grain pattern. Its natural rich reddish-brown to dark brown attracts everyone.
The grain patterns in this Acacia wood can be nearly straight or wavy.
Antibacterial
Acacia is naturally antibacterial. This means it does not attract wood bacteria. It is 100% safe to make kitchen accessories.
Sustainable
There are many species of Acacia, which are widely available in their native place. Some species of acacia wood are easy to access in different parts of the world.
The main reason they are sustainable is that Acacia trees are fast-growing, and grow in almost any type of soil.
Smooth Finishing and Great Workability
Acacia wood is easily workable, Its wood grain saves lots of time and resources.
There are a few steps we need to follow to finish well acacia hardwood. But once it is over it gives excellent results.
Scratch Resistant
There is no doubt that acacia wood is hard enough that it is less prone to scratches and dents. So we can call it scratch-proof or scratch-resistant wood.
Due to the scratch-resistant property, it is one of the most preferred woods for durable flooring.
Disadvantages
Expensive
Acacia wood has many qualities, which makes it special from other hardwoods. Everyone loves its quality and it is a demanding wood. Therefore it’s more expensive than other hardwood.
Another reason for its high price is also that it is not available in all regions. Acacia wood grows only in Australia and Africa.
The price of wood in its native place can be less than in other regions.
Color change over time
Like other woods, acacia wood turns gray in full sunlight. But this change of color is very rare, sometimes it is difficult to observe.
UV from sunlight is the most damaging component of outdoor furniture. Other hardwood species are more affected.
Show scratches and dust
One problem with dark wood floors has always been that they show scratches, hair, and dirt more than light-colored flooring.
Is acacia wood waterproof?
Yes, acacia wood is moderately water-resistant. Its close grains do not absorb moisture. When acacia wood is properly treated with a weather-proof finish, it performs better and has an extended lifespan.
Acacia outdoor furniture can survive the elements for years or even decades. It requires less maintenance than other hardwoods.
By the way, no wood species is completely waterproof. Some woods are high water-resistant, which performs well in the outdoor environment for a long time. But it cannot last forever, they have a limit.
Is acacia wood good for the outdoors?
Acacia wood can be used for outdoor applications. But it is necessary to dry the wood completely before use, otherwise, the wood starts to bend.
Dust and sunlight (UV rays) affect the wood. So treated wood may be a better option for outdoor applications. The paint and polish are also good solutions to increase durability and protect wood grains.
Working with Acacia wood
Acacia wood is easy to work with hand and power tools. Its straight grain allows it to cut and shape easily.
Woodworkers like to work with acacia wood. Because it is not as difficult to work as other hardwoods.
Generally, we believe that hardwoods are difficult to work with because of their hardness and heaviness. But some hardwoods are relatively easy to work and turn.
Acacia wood holds glue, nails, and screws well. Generally, pre-drilling is not required.
Can you stain acacia wood?
Acacia wood accepts stains easily. stain protects the wood surface while promoting a dramatic look from the natural grain.
Acacia wood is already beautiful wood without staining. Staining does not change the natural color of the wood, Stain process preserves the grain of the wood while giving it a more appealing color
To get the best stain results, it is necessary to prepare the wood for stain. Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Light Sanding
In the first step, sand the wood surface lightly using fine-grit sandpaper. Make sure that no stains and scratches are left. Otherwise, you will not get a smooth finishing.
Sanding helps open up the pores So that they can absorb the stain deeper and the stain on the wood remains for a long time.
Step 2: Clean the wood surface
After sanding, thoroughly clean the surface of the wood. Use a wet cloth or a wet mop for cleaning and make sure no dust remains on the surface of the wood.
Allow the wooden surface to dry thoroughly for at least 40 to 60 minutes before moving to the next step. Remember that the presence of moisture can discolor the stain.
Step: 3 Applying Stain
Now Acacia is ready for wood staining. We have to keep in mind some common things.
Use a clean dry cloth for applying stains, Use a clean dry cloth or sponge when applying stains.
Apply the stain in the direction of the wood grain. By doing this, the stain penetrates inside the grain.
Do two coats of stain. There should be a gap of about 40 to 60 minutes between the first and second coats.
The wood staining process should be done in a dust-free area.
Can you paint acacia wood?
Yes, acacia wood is easy to paint, It takes paint well and looks smooth and fine.
Usually, the main reason for painting wood is for outdoor use or to waterproof the wood.
The paint forms a strong layer on the surface of the wood which protects the wood from external elements. Use a wood primer before painting for a smooth finish.
But there are very few people who would like to hide its natural color by painting it. Everyone has their own preferences and needs.
Is acacia a hardwood or softwood?
Acacia wood is a hardwood, its Janka hardness is 2300 lbf, almost twice that of white oak. It is harder than many hardwoods such as Hickory, Maple, Beech, and many more.
The hardness of wood directly affects the weight. The weight of hardwood is heavier than softwood.
It is generally observed that the wood of hardwood species is stronger and more durable than softwood. The growth rate of hardwood trees is less than softwood. Therefore hardwood is more expensive.
You can get an idea of Acacia wood hardness from the Janka hardness table given below.
| Wood Species | Janka Hardness |
| Red Mahogany, Turpentine | 2,697 lbf (12,000 N) |
| Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba | 2,350 lbf (10,500 N) |
| Golden Teak | 2,330 lbf (10,400 N) |
| Acacia wood | 2,300 lbf (10,230 N) |
| Hickory, Pecan, Satinwood | 1,820 lbf (8,100 N) |
| Rosewood | 1,780 lbf (7,900 N) |
What is Acacia engineered hardwood?
Acacia Engineered Wood is designed and manufactured to enhance the natural strength, hardness, and other properties of wood.
Acacia Engineered hardwood is more stable and durable than ordinary acacia wood. Generally, Acacia Engineered Wood is used for flooring.
Acacia Engineered hardwood is constructed with multiple layers of thin wood. Each layer is placed at an angle of 90 degrees. This structure increases the strength of the wood even more.
Engineered hardwood is easier to care for and maintain as compared to solid wood.
Is acacia wood environmentally friendly?
Yes, acacia wood is environmentally friendly. It is a fast-growing tree and has maintained its population after regular harvesting. Trees spread almost all over Asia and Australia.
Acacia wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Acacia Wood Price
It is a moderately expensive hardwood. But it is more expensive than oak, maple, and other hardwood and It is cheaper than teak.
The price of Acacia wood depends on many factors such as the grade of the wood. On the basis of the wood quality, Woods can be divided into grades. Such as A, B, and C grades.
A grade wood does not have defects and knots whereas C grade may have knots and cracks or defects. The cost of A-grade wood is the highest while the cost of C-grade wood is the lowest.
Conclusion
Acacia wood is a great choice for furniture and flooring, it is durable, beautiful, Naturally antibacterial, and insect resistant.
No doubt, there are some disadvantages too, which can be ignored. Because it also has a lot of properties.
If you are still confused about acacia wood. This final word can help you.
If you are looking for outdoor or indoor furniture or for budget flooring, then acacia wood can be a better option, You can get teak-like beauty even cheaper than teak.
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