Acacia (likely Short-leaf Acacia)
Acacia confusa (or related Acacia species like Acacia mangium) • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with prominent streaks; shows a mix of flat-sawn and rift-sawn characteristic in a butcher-block style lamination.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium to dark golden brown with darker chocolate-colored streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It exhibits a natural medium luster and moderate chatoyance. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; generally resistant to decay and rot but susceptible to some insect attacks if left untreated.
Common Uses
Furniture, butcher block countertops, flooring, household items, shelving, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of the Pacific Islands; widely farmed in plantations in Vietnam and Thailand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot (standard grade, often sold as pre-finished butcher block panels).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood (estimated 5-10 years since harvest); likely manufactured into this panel within the last 2-5 years based on the modern clear-coat finish and lack of deep oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Generally Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Often sourced from plantation-grown stock.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Gluing and finishing are generally excellent. Dulls blades moderately due to density.
Notable Features
Often has a faintly sweet or nutty scent when worked. Known for its distinct streakiness and high density-to-weight ratio. Very common in commercial flat-pack furniture.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for surface protection (as seen in the photo). Oil and wax are recommended for food-contact applications like cutting boards.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of small-stave lamination, characteristic dark streaks, medium texture, and golden-brown hue is indicative of plantation-grown Acacia commonly used in modern furniture manufacturing.