We hear about the many uses of Acacia wood. It can be seen as used in making furniture, carving wood, and for several construction uses. Because of its attractive and elegant looking grain, it is also known for use in decorations. How strong is Acacia wood? Well, it is considered as among the strongest woods on earth.
How Strong is Acacia Wood
When talking about the strength of Acacia wood, the hardness rating is at 2,300 LBF or 10,230 N. This means that Acacia is harder than other common hardwoods like Hickory, Oak, Beech, Maple and others. It is amazingly durable and strong. Thanks to this rating, it is also resistant to common issues such as scratches, dents and fungus attacks. For this reason, Acacia wood is a favorite choice for different woodworking projects.
When looking at the properties of Acacia wood, it features a less porous quality than other types of woods. Because of this, the value of fiber of Acacia wood per unit area becomes high, thus increasing the density of this wood. The wavy or straight wood grain of this wood also increases its strength and hardness.
Ideal for Furniture Making?
There is no doubt that Acacia wood is great for any type of woodworking project, especially those that requires a strong, heavy and dense wood. The reason? Acacia wood is resistant to decay, wear and tear, and thus is suited for making heavy-use furniture such as bed frames, tables and benches.
This wood is also scratch resistant, even better than other hardwoods. This is possible because of its density, fine texture and durability. Note, however, that Acacia wood has different grades – some feature a higher density, and other a lower one.
When treated well using a finish that is weather resistant, Acacia wood is also suitable for making outdoor furniture. It is recommended, however, to place the furniture on the patio or deck. If the wood is not sealed, consistent contact with the outdoor ground may result to discoloring.
Acacia Wood Finish
Acacia wood features a beautiful, warm grain, which is quite a waste if hidden with paint. However, the density can handle paint well, giving a smooth finish. Since it is water-resistant, it does not warp easily. Another beautiful thing about Acacia wood is that it comes with natural antibacterial properties, making it ideal for making food serving bowls, trays, and other kitchen items and furniture.
This type of wood features medium to dark brown color, with some highlights of tan, gold and red. To enhance the overall appearance of the furniture, some use a neutral wood wax, creating a warm and lovely finish, while showing off its attractive grain. You may also want to use tinted stains, as it will also give a rich and deep appearance.
Things to Consider
While Acacia wood is a reliable type of wood in general, in specific conditions, it also has a tendency to crack. This is because Acacia wood is sensitive to wide variations in temperature. For example, when exposed to heat, this wood tends to crack, as extreme heat can break down the natural wood fibers of Acacia wood, making it brittle.
Also, Acacia wood needs to be treated using a weather-proof finish, especially when the furniture is to be placed outdoors. This type of finish will provide protection against moisture. As discussed earlier, it is also recommended to place the furniture on the patio or deck instead of having a direct contact with the ground to prevent discoloring.
The waterproof feature of Acacia wood makes it one of the most ideal woods for use outdoors. Since it is highly durable, it does well in resisting humidity changes as well. Both durability and water resistance makes Acacia wood a good option to consider for any woodworking project.
Acacia Wood Price and Sustainability
Acacia wood is an amazing option in creating woodworking projects. Aside from furniture, it may also be used for flooring. It is noteworthy, however, that compared with other types of hardwoods, Acacia wood is relatively pricier. This is because Acacia wood is an exotic variety, and is admired widely for its overall beauty and several benefits. This type of wood is desirable, which adds to its value and price. Still, it is a perfect alternative to other pricier hardwoods such as Teak. In fact, there are similarities in appearance of both Acacia and Teak, which is why Acacia is always considered as an alternative to the pricier Teak wood.
Another advantage of Acacia trees is that after a harvest, they grow fast. Because of this natural growth speed, the sustainability of Acacia wood is high, as forestry companies will not easily run out of supply. They are also not depleting natural resources in the process.
Proper Care of Acacia Wood
While we have established that Acacia wood is strong, it also requires care and maintenance if you are to preserve its durability and beauty. The good news is that caring for Acacia wood is quite easy. This only needs a simple washing using warm soapy water, and air-drying or drying using soft cloth.
With extreme fluctuations in temperature, or permanent exposure, there is a tendency for Acacia wood to strongly contract and expanding again for cooling. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the furniture made of Acacia wood is placed in a constant room temperature. It is also best to avoid placing the furniture next to stoves or heaters. Acacia wood is best in a place with constant humidity.
Conclusion
How strong is Acacia wood? In this article, we have covered some factors that relate to the strength and hardness of Acacia wood, including its features, characteristics, uses, and others. It is strong enough to make the most beautiful furniture pieces, both for indoor and outdoor use. Its dependable strength rating makes it a good option for making woodworking projects such as a dining room table, benches, tables, and others. It is a beautiful wood that can be used to make items that will last for a long time.
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