Acacia (Monkey Pod / Golden Acacia)
Acacia auriculiformis (or Samanea saman) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with frequent knots, swirls, and small burls. Features a medium to coarse texture with a naturally irregular and 'wild' figure.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with golden-yellow and reddish-pink streaks. Sharp contrast with pale cream or light tan sapwood. High natural luster and moderate chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
1,100 - 1,750 lbf (Medium to Hard, depending on specific Acacia variety)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack. Fairly stable once seasoned.
Common Uses
Furniture, tabletops, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, and decorative bowls.
Geographic Origin
Native to Australia and Southeast Asia; widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide including India, Central and South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for finished lumber, though often sold as pre-fabricated furniture items.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be relatively young, mass-produced modern stock (likely 2-5 years since manufacture), showing high-clarity modern finish and contemporary metal industrial hardware.
Sustainability Status
Generally Sustainable; many species are fast-growing and sourced from plantations. Not currently listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well. High density can dull blades more quickly than native domestic hardwoods.
Notable Features
Distinctive high-contrast 'blonde' sapwood edges; can have a sweet, faint scent when freshly cut. High oil content provides a smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or satin polyurethanes are recommended to highlight the color contrast. Wax finishes also work well for decorative pieces.
Identification Confidence
High; the dramatic color transition between reddish-brown heartwood and creamy sapwood, combined with the wavy grain and use in a modern metal-leg table design, is a hallmark of commercial Acacia furniture.