ACACIA

Acacia wood is used for various products, including household items such as cutting boards or decorative plates. It's an ideal material for outdoor furniture because it’s dense and resistant to pests and moisture; you can leave it out and not worry about rot, fungus growing on it, or bugs.

History of ACACIA: A TREE OF A THOUSAND NAMES

The Acacia tree, also known as Mimosa, Thorntree, and Wattle, is a hardwood tree that is endemic to Australia. Acacia expanded throughout millennia, and it is now widespread across the Old World, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Rim. European settlers introduced the tree to the Americas, where a new species emerged. There are currently 1,350 Acacia species worldwide!

We utilize Babul (Acacia Nilotica) for our furniture. It is native to Africa, India, and the Middle East and is considered an invasive plant in Australia.

What are the advantages of acacia wood?

  • DENSITY & HARDNESS OF ACACIA WOOD

The Janka Hardness rating for Babul Acacia is 2300 pounds of force. It is 55% harder than European White Oak, 23% harder than hickory, and 90% harder than carbonized bamboo.
Its density is measured to be 62 lbs/cubic foot. In comparison, natural marble is 80lbs/cubic foot).

  • CHARACTERISTICS OF ACACIA WOOD

Babul and Acacia have a naturally fine texture (a smooth finish). It's also highly scratch-resistant in comparison to other hardwoods.
The grain can vary between straight and wavy patterns, and the color can range from light amber to dark mahogany. Each acacia slab is unique.

  • AFFORDABILITY

Babul Acacia grows plentifully in Asia, India, and the Middle East and is an invasive species in Australia. It is grown on plantations for its hardened tree sap, known as Gum Arabic. Gum Arabic is used for medicinal purposes, as an additive to soft drinks, and as the outer coatings for "hard" candies, such as M&Ms.

  • USABILITY

Babul Acacia is easy to work with and hardens significantly after it's kiln-dried. This allows us to make benches, buffets, dining tables, and side tables, all without sacrificing the high quality of our furniture. Babul Acacia's workability before drying allows us also to craft beautiful live edge pieces, like our Nottingham dining table.

  • DURABILITY

As the British Royal Navy has shown, Acacia has proven itself to be an extremely durable wood. Its density and hardness makes it the perfect material for heavy-use pieces such as dining tables and dining benches. When properly maintained, these pieces will last decades.

  • SUSTAINABILITY

Though Babul Acacia trees are widely available, we take extra steps to ensure that the wood we use is harvested in an eco-friendly fashion.
We work with local farmers to harvest lumber from these trees after they finish producing the sap used for Gum Arabic. Normally, lumber would either be burned or thrown into a wood chipper for the next planting. By forming working relationships with these farms, they're provided extra income in exchange for giving us a completely sustainable source of wood.

As you can see, acacia wood has many advantages. It is a durable, affordable option that can be customized to fit your needs. Additionally, it is easy to care for and can be used to create beautiful art pieces. With so many benefits, it is no wonder why this type of wood is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and decorators alike.

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