A Guide to Acacia Wood Properties and its Uses

acacia wood properties

People in Australia have been using acacia tree wood for a long time and still use it. Acacia wood is a type of hardwood that comes from various species of acacia trees and shrubs. It is one of the very versatile types of timber that is native to Australia, but also grows in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Acacia wood is known for its durability, stability, and resistance to rot, moisture, and pests. It has a rich and varied color, ranging from light yellow to dark red, with distinctive grain patterns. The timber is widely used for furniture, flooring, decking, bowls, and other items. It is also valued for its environmental benefits, as it can grow in harsh conditions and fix nitrogen in the soil.

If you are here, you probably want to know more about Acacia wood, including properties, timber characteristics and uses.

Acacia wood

  • Scientific Name: Acacia Mil
  • Primarily Grows: Australia, Africa, America, and the Pacific coast
  • Height: 20 and 50 ft
  • Color: Variety of colors, light brown, dark red, yellowish-white sap-wood

Basic Properties and Distribution

It belongs to the botanical family Fabaceae and the subfamily Mimosoideae. It is a very beautiful, practical, and in-demand wood. Acacia is a genus of about 1084 species of shrubs and trees. The timber is heavy and hard, characterized by high density and resilience. It withstands climatic variations well, making it an ideal species for all exterior works. It is similar to other hardwoods such as oak or cherry in terms of hardness.

Acacia trees are primarily found in Australia, with others from New Guinea, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean. They are also found in Africa, America, and the Pacific coast. In the United States, you can find acacia trees in states like California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Texas.

Color & Appearance

It appears in a wide variety of colors. The heartwood color ranges from light brown to dark red and can be clearly differentiated from the yellowish-white sapwood. The older the tree, the narrower the sapwood that surrounds the significantly darker colored heartwood. Exposure to light causes the heartwood to darken from light brown to golden brown and further enhances the contrast.

Texture

Acacia wood has a medium to coarse texture. The grain is straight or curvy, but it is not regular. From piece to
piece, the appearance of acacia timber is not the same as they might look uneven and knotty.

Resistance

It has a high natural oil content, which makes it naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and decay. The silica also protects against various types of insects. So Acacia timber can withstand exposure to moisture, fungi, and other environmental factors leading to decay. It is also resistant to wear and tear.

Other Physical and Mechanical Acacia Wood Properties

  • Hardness: 2,300 lbf (10,230 N)
  • Average Dried Weight: 45.2 lbs/ft3 (725 kg/m3)-49.9 lbs/ft3 (800 kg/m3)
  • Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC) – 0.874, 0.56
  • Crushing Strength: 10,142 psi.
  • Elastic Modulus: 172,400 kg/cm2 – Values varying from 7.42 GPa to 8.70 GPa.

Availability and Price

It is widely available and can be found in various parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, America, and the Pacific coast. The price depends on the quality, size, and location. In places where Acacia is abundant, such as the United States, it can be purchased for a similar price as other quality woods such as oak or ash. However, as an imported product, it can be more expensive in other areas. You can buy quality Acacia wood slabs, logs, and timber from CameroonTimberExportSARL easily at the best price in the market with the guarantee of on-time delivery anywhere worldwide.

Primary Use of Acacia Wood

Acacia wood is known for its durability, flexibility, and attractive appearance, making it suitable for a variety of uses. It is commonly used for making furniture, cabinets, and flooring. Due to its high density and resistance to scratching, staining, and moisture, it is also a popular choice for kitchenware items such as cutting boards and serving trays. It’s robust resistance to harsh elements and natural toughness make it an excellent choice for outdoor projects.

How to Buy Acacia Online?

If you are looking for a premium and sustainable acacia hardwood exporter, supplier and wholesaler, contact CameroonTimberExportSARL. We are the leading exporter of premium Acacia hardwood and wood logs. We also provide timely delivery across the world.

You can also order wood for home delivery in many countries and locations around the world. They deal in a wide variety of timber species and can also offer customized solutions if you require a specific type of wood.