Acacia Wood Furniture and Floors: How to Care for Acacia

Acacia wood is a milled product of acacia trees, which are native to arid climates in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. This durable wood is dense, water-resistant, and possesses a rich and intricate wood grain pattern. Craftspeople might appreciate acacia wood for its workability and aesthetic appeal, while environmentalists might praise its eco-friendly commercial applications. Acacia trees grow rapidly and can thrive in a wide array of soils, making acacia wood a more sustainable option than some other types of wood. Many species of trees and shrubs comprise the genus Acacia, which is part of the pea family Fabaceae and the subfamily Mimosoideae.

Similar to other high-end hardwood flooring options, such as teak and hickory, acacia wood is popular due to its strength and beauty; therefore, it usually commands a steeper price per foot compared to other hardwoods. Solid acacia wood is dense and has tight grain patterns generated from quick growth cycles, making it an attractive wood. This density also naturally deters bugs and makes the wood resistant to moisture damage, warping, and scratching. For these reasons, acacia has become a popular building material for diverse woodworking projects, ranging from cutting boards to decorative fireplace mantles.

There are hundreds of species of acacia, including:

1. 1. Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata): Unlike many small acacia shrubs, this acacia is an evergreen that can grow thirty meters. Although silver or golden wattle types of acacia have ornamental mimosa flowers, many Mediterranean regions have labeled them an invasive species.
2. 2. Hawaiian koa (Acacia koa): The Hawaiian acacia tree is one of the hardest natural wood products in the world and has a wide-grained, reddish-brown color, similar to mahogany. Communities in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific Islands have used it for centuries as the go-to material for boats, surfboards, and musical instruments like ukuleles.
3. 3. Australian blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon): This medium-golden wood with dark grain is not actually black in color. Craftspeople often use Australian blackwood as a veneer for engineered wood flooring, countertops, and kitchen cabinetry. Similar to other Australian acacias, the Australian blackwood’s heartwood contains a significant amount of tannins—dark organic substances that can serve as dyes, such as for tanning hides in leather production.
4. 4. Gum acacia (Acacia senegal): Also known as a Sudan gum tree or a Kher tree, the gum acacia has deep brown bark and thorns. Their sap produces gum arabic—a binding agent that is an ingredient in food products and medicines.

Although acacia wood furniture is durable and somewhat scratch-resistant, there are some methods you can use to maintain your indoor and outdoor furniture long-term.

1. 1. Clean acacia furniture with natural soap. Some detergent-based soaps contain silicone or ammonia that can break down the outer layer of acacia wood. Cleaning acacia furniture with a natural soap can maintain the shine and luster of your furniture and decrease the chances of the wood drying and cracking.
2. 2. Keep acacia wood dry and out of direct sunlight. Acacia wood is water-resistant, but exposure to water or sunlight for elongated periods of time can leave water marks and cause the wood’s naturally rich color to fade.
3. 3. Preserve the finish of acacia wood. Similar to other hardwoods, acacia wood can hold paint or stain well. However, to protect the wood’s natural beauty, you can seal outdoor furniture with linseed or tung oil to bolden the appearance of the grain while also protecting the wood surface from sunlight damage.

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