Acacia (likely Short-podded Acacia or Blackwood variant)
Acacia confusa or Acacia melanoxylon • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain. Shows characteristic "fiddleback" or curly figure potential with medium to coarse texture and prominent vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from medium golden brown to reddish brown with darker chocolate streaks. Sapwood is distinctively lighter/yellowish. Features high natural luster and significant color variation across boards.
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard range)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to insects but susceptible to rot if used in prolonged ground contact without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, kitchenware (cutting boards/bowls), and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Hawaii (closely related to Koa); widely grown in plantations across Vietnam and Thailand.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber (likely 10-20 years old tree growth), processed recently based on the lack of deep patina and visible surface scratches.
Sustainability Status
Generally considered sustainable; widely plantation-grown; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Difficult to plane due to interlocked grain which causes tearout. Glues and finishes well, but requires sharp tools to handle density.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet/spicy scent when worked. High tannin content can cause staining when in contact with iron and water.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to enhance depth; polyurethane for high-wear surfaces. Responds very well to high-gloss polishing.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-to-brown color transitions, large open pores, and wavy interlocked grain is characteristic of commercial Acacia used in modern furniture.