Both acacia and rubberwood are popular types of hardwood (deciduous trees) and are extensively used in furniture making. While acacia wood is known for its dramatic color variations and striking grain patterns, rubberwood is famous for being easily available and inexpensively priced, making both of them suitable for various low-end projects such as bulk furniture manufacturing.
The major difference between acacia and rubberwood is in terms of appearance. While rubberwood doesn’t have any noticeable grain pattern, acacia features unique and attractive grain variations.
About Acacia
Acacia wood, derived from various trees belonging to the family Fabaceae., is prized for its unique appearance, durability, and versatility. The aesthetically appealing wood features rich, contrasting grains and warm shades, with patterns ranging from light to dark hues.
With good natural resistance to wear and decay, acacia hardwood is considered ideal for furniture, flooring, and construction work. Its workability, especially carving flexibility, allows for intricate design work. The wood has a glossy finish due to its natural oils. Acacia wood’s sustainability and easy availability in many locations worldwide make it an environmentally friendly timber choice. Widely used in both indoor and outdoor applications, acacia wood is prized for its elegant appearance combined with strength and versatility.
About Rubberwood
Rubberwood, scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis, is originally found in Brazil but is now also planted in tropical regions around the world, especially in Asia. The trees are about 75-100 ft tall with a 1-3 ft trunk diameter. The heartwood of rubber is light brown to medium tan and sometimes has little darker brown streaks. The wood darkens with age and has a straight grain with a coarse texture. While rubberwood is easy to work with due to its low density, it’s not resistant to decay and is also susceptible to attack by insects and fungi. Its common uses include furniture production, cabinetry, and other household items. It’s not generally used for exterior purposes.
Acacia Vs. Rubberwood
Acacia and rubberwood have their distinct properties in terms of physical appearance, strength, and workability and both are used in a wide range of applications. Find out here all about the difference between acacia hardwood and rubberwood.
Appearance
Acacia Wood, a stunning hardwood, is known for its unique color and grain pattern ranging from light to dark within the same piece. It provides a unique warmth and rustic charm to wherever it’s used. Its natural color and varied texture make it perfect for building attractive and distinct furniture pieces, with shades ranging from light golden brown to dark chocolate.
In contrast, Rubber Wood features a lighter yellowish-brown color and a consistent grain pattern. It works best for painted furniture because of its smooth or practically invisible grain. Rubberwood remains light-colored throughout its age, unlike acacia, which darkens with age.
Origin
Acacia is a popular hardwood originating from Australia but is also found in many other places around the world, including Africa and Europe. It comes from the diverse Acacia genus, comprising over 1,300 species of trees and shrubs.
On the other hand, Rubberwood is produced by latex rubber trees primarily found in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
Hardness & Durability
Acacia wood surpasses rubberwood in terms of hardness, boasting an overall higher Janka score. With a density of around 0.75 grams per cubic centimeter, acacia is extremely strong and highly resistant to scratches and damage. It is moderately durable in terms of resistance to moisture, warping, and insects and can be used outdoors as well.
In contrast, rubberwood, with a lower density of 0.43 grams per cubic centimeter, is softer, less strong, and more prone to chipping, scratches, and splintering. It’s less resistant to moisture damage. While Acacia’s robustness and strength make it ideal for high-traffic flooring and outdoor furniture, rubberwood, being less durable, can only be used for indoor furniture and low-traffic flooring.
Workability
In terms of workability, Acacia and Rubberwood are very different. Acacia wood, which is denser and more robust, can be challenging to work with, especially to cut and shape. Its rich grain can make it difficult to polish or carve, requiring professional skills. On the other hand, Rubberwood, being softer and less robust, is easier to work with both hand and machine tools. It allows for easier cutting, carving, painting, and finishing. Rubberwood’s workability makes it a woodworker’s favorite choice for various applications, especially for making furniture with ease of processing.
Sustainability & Maintenance
Rubberwood is considered an environmentally friendly choice because the wood is derived from old rubber trees that have already been used for rubber latex. In contrast, acacia trees are particularly harvested for timber and have a slower growth rate, taking years to fully mature.
Both woods are easy to maintain and take care of. They can be cleaned with a damp cloth but rubberwood is more prone to damage by scratches and moisture. Both woods contribute to environmental sustainability.
Availability & Cost
Acacia Wood is generally pricier than Rubber Wood due to its high demand owing to characteristics like high durability, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. The cost varies based on availability in a location, timber quality, size, and grain pattern.
Rubber Wood is more affordable and a great choice for budget-conscious projects and consumers. Both woods are available in different grades with different prices, but Rubberwood’s wider and easier availability (faster growth) keeps costs lower, making it a preferred choice for bulk manufacturing projects, especially in the furniture industry. Natural acacia is scarce and not available everywhere, which contributes to its higher price.
Uses
Acacia wood being extremely attractive and durable finds applications in versatile projects, ranging from flooring and furniture to kitchen appliances and outdoor structures. It’s also extensively used in interior design and decor projects as well as in outdoor applications with moderate exposure to moisture.
On the other hand, rubberwood is most commonly used in furniture and occasionally for making instruments like guitars and pianos. As a more budget-friendly timber than acacia, rubberwood is used in bulk furniture and decorative items.
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Contact Cameroon Timber Export SARL to explore a wide range of sustainable hardwood species, including redwood, acacia, and many more. At Cameroon Timber Export SARL, we source our raw materials from responsible partners with a focus on preserving and growing our valuable forests. Contact us to find out more.
