Acacia (likely Mimosa or Blackwood variety)
Acacia melanoxylon / Acacia mangium • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked with prominent cathedral figure and swirling grain around knots. Displays wavy and occasionally curly patterns typical of small-diameter plantation stock.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light golden brown to medium reddish-brown with dark chocolate streaks. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellowish-white. Shows moderate chatoyance and typically darkens slightly to a deeper amber with age.
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; generally resistant to rot but susceptible to insect attack in sapwood areas.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, kitchen islands, butcher blocks, flooring, and small decorative turned items.
Geographic Origin
Native to Australia/Southeast Asia; widely plantation-grown in Vietnam and India.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 10 years). The butcher-block style construction and light oxidation suggest contemporary mass-produced furniture.
Sustainability Status
Generally Sustainable; widely available as plantation-grown timber. Not currently listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Fair to Poor with hand tools due to interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, though it can be brittle during drilling.
Notable Features
Often has a faint, sweet scent when worked. High contrast between growth rings and a naturally high oil content that gives a smooth, lustrous surface.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish or Polyurethane are best for protection. Mineral oil or beeswax is recommended if used for food-contact surfaces like cutting boards.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic swirling grain, specific contrast between golden and dark brown hues, and the panel-glue-up construction are hallmarks of Acacia utilized in modern furniture.