Acacia (Small-Leaf Acacia)
Acacia confusa • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture; features wavy and irregular patterns with distinctive chatoyancy and vessel streaks
Color Description
Golden to medium brown heartwood with darker streaks; sapwood is yellowish. Exhibits a high natural luster and tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure
Hardness Rating
1,750 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; good resistance to rot and fungal decay, though susceptible to some insect attacks if left untreated
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cutting boards, bowls, cabinetry, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia (specifically Taiwan and Philippines), now widely grown in tropical regions globally
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $16 per board foot (varies by figure and region)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; likely harvested within the last 5-10 years and processed into a consumer product recently
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and available with FSC certification
Workability
Can be challenging due to interlocked grain causing tearout during planing; glues and finishes well but may dull cutting edges due to density
Notable Features
Distinctive chatoyancy (shimmering effect); contains high tannin levels; may cause respiratory irritation in some woodworkers
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils and waxes to highlight the figure; polyurethane or lacquer works well for high-wear surfaces
Identification Confidence
High; the specific vessel arrangement, golden-brown color, and characteristic interlocked grain pattern are diagnostic for Acacia used in retail goods.