When it comes to furniture many people opt for the obvious choices for their home or garden be it oak, mahogany, or walnut to name but a few whilst poor old acacia lingers somewhere toward the end. Despite its durability and toughness acacia seems not to be high on furniture buyer’s agendas. So we here at Kalusto are here to change your minds and give our insight into why acacia wood is another option when purchasing furniture for your home

What Is Acacia Wood?

Acacia wood is a type of wood that is derived from the Australian Acacia trees and shrubs, it can be found in parts of Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Americas. There are more than a thousand different varieties of Acacia trees. The Acacia trees are also known by several other names such as the wattle and Asian walnut.

Why Is It Used To Make Furniture?

Acacia wood had been used to make furniture for thousands of years. It’s density and hardness make it the perfect material for heavy pieces such as dining tables and dining benches. When properly maintained, these pieces can truly last a lifetime. The British Royal Navy used Acacia wood for its durability and water-resistant properties as the primary building material for their legendary Ships-of-the-Line during the 18th century. Acacia's wood doesn’t scratch easily, while its water-resistant properties mean that it won't warp easily and it is highly resistant to fungus. Like many types of wood, acacia is naturally antibacterial and is therefore safe to use for preparing or serving food so can be used in the kitchen.

Uses

The most common use for Acacia is in the manufacturing of furniture. Being a strong and durable wood, it also can be used for support beams in the construction of buildings.

In Hawaii, it is used to make canoes, surfboards, and bodyboards and can also be used to make musical instruments such as ukuleles, acoustic guitars, and steel guitars. Wood from acacia trees is also used medicinally and is pressed to release the essential oils for use in perfumes. In the wild, acacia trees provide food and habitat for many animals from birds to insects to giraffes. So all in all a very adaptable wood indeed!

Look

Acacia wood is naturally smooth, and even more so when it has been polished. Typically warm in its tone, it can display quite a unique and beautiful natural wood grain. Acacia looks simply stunning whether polished, varnished, or just left au natural. The grain can vary between straight or a wavy pattern and the colour can differ from light almost amber to dark mahogany. No two acacia slabs are ever alike! Depending on the finish, you can find both dark and light shades of Acacia. The most popular items we sell here at Kalusto have a clear oil applied, which offers a striking smooth pale finish.

Sustainability   

As one of the world’s fasted growing trees, Acacia woods are generally regarded as being an extremely sustainable wood source especially with regard to the lighter coloured woods. The speed of growth can be very fast indeed. An acacia falcate tree has been recorded as having grown 35 feet in just 13 months! averaging around an extra an inch per day in height.

Did You Know?

It is claimed that even if Acacia wood hasn’t been treated or protected in any way, it can last up to 40 years.

It is thought acacia wood was used to make the Ark of Covenant and Tabernacle in biblical times, as it is pretty much indestructible!

Most acacia tree types are fast growers, but they usually live only 20 to 30 years