All About Acacia Wood

Acacia wood has a medium to dark brown wood core and is moderate to large porous. Acacia wood is a type of wood that is derived from the Australian-native Acacia trees and shrubs, which are now also found in Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and parts of the Americas. There are more than a thousand different varieties of Acacia trees. The hardwood that is derived from the tree is suitable for building long-lasting items of furniture and homewares. Acacia wood is naturally smooth, and even more so when polished. Typically warm in tone, it usually displays quite a distinctive and beautiful natural wood grain. Acacia looks simply stunning whether polished, varnished, or natural.

Acacia wood stool | Source: google.com

Advantages & Disadvantages of Acacia Wood:

STRENGTH OF ACACIA WOOD

• Durability: Acacia has proven its quality of being highly durable. Its hardness and density make it one of the most popular choices for furniture in recent times. Dining tables, chairs, beds are being constructed from it and they are standing the test of time.
• Scratch resistance: Because of the interlocked grain structure, it is very prone to scratches. Insects and fungi cannot penetrate this wood. So you can easily make dining tables, entertainment centers, and working tables out of it.
• Sustainability: Because Acacia trees are so abundant in the universe, their consumption for furniture is regarded as sustainable. Many farmers cut the trees only after the sap has been used or if they are utterly useless (and can only be used for furniture effectively).
• Workability: Although it is difficult to saw, it can comfortably be planed and varnished which enhances the ease with which it can be molded into furniture items like chairs, desks and drawers. The slabs are long which also makes the manufacture of long articles like dining tables and benches so much easier.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Acacia Wood?

DISADVANTAGES OF ACACIA WOOD

• Irregular Color. 

It can show different colors and patterns in your floors or cabinets which might not be appreciated by some people. While many may take the color and grain structure variations to be a plus point of this wood, those who need a consistent color in their flooring and furniture might be irritated by it.

• It Doesn’t Have a Lot of Natural Oils as Teak.

We discussed earlier that Acacia is a great wood option for outdoor furniture but it needs to be oiled to be protected for a long time from weather and pests.

Teak, on the other hand, can be left untreated for decades.

• Cross-grain Scratches Are Nearly Impossible to Remove.

You can fill in normal scratches with a filler marker or paint but cross-grain scratches are very difficult to deal with.It is because there is a high variation in color and grain pattern so even though you get the right color, there is always an added daunting task to match the pattern.

Acacia wood Console table | Source: google.com

How to Care for Acacia Wood Furniture?

Step 1

Avoid placing acacia wood furniture in direct sunlight, as the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the wood to dry out. Position acacia patio furniture underneath an umbrella or canopy to minimize damage due to sun and rain.

Step 2

Clean spills from acacia wood furniture with a soft cloth moistened with warm, soapy water. Dry the furniture with a second soft cloth or allow it to air-dry.

Step 3

Rub the acacia wood furniture with furniture wax or wood preservative product immediately after cleaning. Apply the wax or wood preservative according to the instructions found on the product label. Apply additional applications, as needed, to restore the shine of the wood.

Now you know more details about Acacia Wood. Read Acacia wood vs Teak wood at kaliudagallery.com. Customize your furniture with the materials that you want and choose colors that suit you. We’ll be back with more details about other wood types.