Acacia
Acacia mangium / Acacia auriculiformis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly interlocked and wavy with some straight sections; exhibits visible open pores and some slight spalting or figure variation in darker streaks.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with golden-yellow highlights; sapwood is typically pale yellow. Highly lustrous with natural chatoyance that darkens slightly to a richer amber over time.
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Durable; high resistance to decay and insects, though sapwood is susceptible to powder post beetles. Performs well in moisture-heavy environments like kitchens.
Common Uses
Cutting boards, serving trays, flooring, high-end furniture, cabinetry, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Native to Australia and Southeast Asia; widely grown on plantations in Vietnam and Indonesia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern (less than 10 years). The item shows clean mechanical edges and a contemporary finish typical of modern mass-produced kitchenware.
Sustainability Status
Generally Sustainable; listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and widely available from FSC-certified sustainable plantations.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well; high natural oil content requires sharp tools to prevent burning.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet scent when freshly cut; naturally high oil content which provides water resistance; some species can be a mild sensitizer to skin or respiratory paths.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax/carnauba wax blends are recommended for items used with food to maintain the wood's hydration and appearance.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the specific golden-brown hue, open-pore structure, and the item's application as a serving board are classic indicators of plantation-grown Acacia.