Acacia (Short-podded Acacia / Asian Walnut)
Acacia confusa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with frequent small knots; medium to coarse texture with a naturally lustrous surface. Small circular knots show swirling grain patterns around them.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light golden brown to medium reddish-brown, often with dark streaks. Sapwood is a distinct creamy white to pale yellow. The wood exhibits significant color contrast between growth rings and tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to decay but susceptible to insect attack if not treated. Stable in indoor environments.
Common Uses
Cutting boards, flooring, small furniture, bowls, cabinetry, and kitchenware accessories.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia (specifically Taiwan, Philippines, and parts of Oceania).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood (5-10 years post-harvest), likely kiln-dried and recently manufactured. The lack of deep oxidation and the clean surface suggest modern production.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Generally considered a sustainable alternative to slower-growing tropical hardwoods; widely plantation-grown.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well. The high density can dull blades faster than domestic hardwoods.
Notable Features
Often marketed as 'Asian Walnut' for its similar color palette; lacks a distinct odor; known for high shock resistance and water-resistant properties when finished correctly.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax if used as a cutting board. Polyurethane or lacquer for furniture to highlight the chatoyance and color variation.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct 'sapwood-heartwood' striping, small tight knots, and coarse open grain are characteristic of plantation-grown Acacia commonly used in modern housewares.