Acacia (likely Mimosa or Blackwood variety)
Acacia melanoxylon / Acacia mangium · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Australia/Southeast Asia; widely plantation-grown in Vietnam and India.
- Hardness
- 1750 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; generally resistant to rot but susceptible to insect attack in sapwood areas.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1750 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; generally resistant to rot but susceptible to insect attack in sapwood areas.
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.
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.
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.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish or Polyurethane are best for protection. Mineral oil or beeswax is recommended if used for food-contact surfaces like cutting boards.
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.
