Acacia (Short-podded Acacia)
Acacia confusa • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; features subtle wavy patterns and occasional small knots
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light golden brown to medium reddish-brown with dark chocolate streaks; sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated from heartwood
Hardness Rating
1,750 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to termites and rot, though less durable than Teak in outdoor settings
Common Uses
Cutting boards, serving trays, flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and turned objects
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (native to Taiwan and Philippines)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot (depending on figure and processing)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 5 years old); the surface shows high-luster machining and contemporary edge-work typical of mass-produced kitchenware
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently plantation-grown
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Often exhibits chatoyancy (a shimmering effect) similar to koa; faint sweet or spicy scent when being worked; high density makes it very heavy
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchen items; polyurethane or lacquer for furniture to enhance color depth
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-to-dark brown color variation, specific pore structure, and small dark knots are classic indicators of Acacia wood used in household goods