Acacia (Sheesham alternate)
Acacia mangium / Dalbergia sissoo · Hardwood/Exotic
- Type
- Hardwood/Exotic
- Origin
- Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Vietnam)
- Hardness
- 1750 lbf - Hard to Very Hard classification
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; generally resistant to dry-wood termites and decay but susceptible to some boring insects
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain with prominent knots and cathedral patterns in flat-sawn sections
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from golden yellow to logic brown with dark streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. High luster with significant natural color variation.
Hardness (Janka)
1750 lbf - Hard to Very Hard classification
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; generally resistant to dry-wood termites and decay but susceptible to some boring insects
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and availability
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber; likely 1-5 years since manufacture based on the tight joinery and modern finish appearance
- Sustainability Status
- Generally abundant and often plantation-grown; not currently listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia and the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Vietnam)
Workability
Challenging due to interlocked grain which can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well but can dull cutting edges quickly due to high density.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or clear lacquers to highlight the chatoyance; may require a grain filler for a glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Distinctive large knots and high contrast between light and dark grain; often has a faint, sweet scent when being worked.