Acacia
Acacia confusa (likely) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Wavy and interlocked; displays a medium to coarse texture with a visible horizontal grain orientation typical of flat-sawn platter blanks.
Color Description
Medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood with visible dark streaks. The sapwood is typically narrower and yellowish-white, not prominently featured here. Color deepens with light exposure to a richer mahogany-like tone.
Hardness Rating
1,750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay and rot, making it highly effective for food-related household items.
Common Uses
Household kitchenware (bowls, platters, cutting boards), flooring, small furniture pieces, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $10.00 per board foot as raw lumber; higher in pre-fabricated consumer goods.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 5-10 years); the milling marks and modern polyurethane/oil finish suggest contemporary commercial production.
Sustainability Status
Generally considered sustainable; widely available as plantation-grown timber. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Difficult the work due to high density and interlocked grain which often causes tearout during machining. Gluing and finishing are generally easy.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet/spicy scent when cut; high density causes it to sink or sit low in water; highly chatoyant under bright light.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchen use. For decorative use, a clear semi-gloss polyurethane to highlight the grain variation.
Identification Confidence
High; the color variation, grain structure, and its specific application as a carved wooden tray/platter are hallmark indicators of commercially sourced Acacia.