Acacia and teak are popular hardwoods for your home. The question is: which is the better choice? Read this article to see the winner of the acacia vs. teak debate.
I do not know about you, but I really like using wood for my building projects. I can rely on its natural insulating properties and tensile strength without harming the environment.
Two popular names in the woodworking industry are acacia wood and teak. Both produce durable and weather-resistant patio furniture. They also make beautiful wooden structures to fit your home’s aesthetic.
However, you might be curious about which hardwood is better for your needs. And what are the differences between acacia and teak?
Find out the verdict of the acacia vs. teak debate below! I will discuss how these hardwoods compare and other factors to help you make the best purchasing decision.
Acacia Wood vs. Teak Wood: Overview
Before discussing the detailed comparison of teak vs. acacia, I would first like to talk about their unique properties.
Below is an overview of both wood types, including their pros and cons.
What Is Acacia Wood?
Acacia wood comes from the tree of the same name. The acacia tree is an exotic hardwood that flourishes in tropical climates. It is native to Australia and African countries. However, acacia trees also grow in the Pacific Islands, Asia, and parts of the Americas.
Hundreds of acacia species are available around the world. The most common varieties include acacia koa, box leaf, coastal, creeping, and flax-leaf wattle.
Acacia hardwoods are popular for their hardness and relatively scratch-resistant surface. They can also resist shrinkage, swelling, and warping to last you for several years.
As for their appearance, acacia heartwood can range from dark red-brown to a lighter shade. It also offers a golden or medium brown hue with large ring patterns.
Finally, acacia wood has an attractive natural grain. It comes in different forms, such as subtle, wavy, understated, and straight grain pattern.
Overall, acacia is one of the most sought materials for home decor and furniture. It is extremely versatile and easy to work with.
Pros and Cons of Acacia Wood
I can give you several reasons to use acacia wood outdoor furniture. However, there are also many arguments against this hardwood.
Below, I will list the benefits and drawbacks of acacia wood to compare it with teak.
Pros:
- The hardwood has an impressive hardness rating
- It contains a high amount of rich natural oils to prevent decay
- It effectively resists scratches, shrinkage, swelling, and warping
- It has a natural water resistance
- Available in different colors and grain patterns
- Versatile and highly workable
- It is more affordable than teak
Cons:
- It is heavy due to its density
- It cannot withstand prolonged exposure to heat
- It is not waterproof
- Acacia requires extra care to retain its attractive appearance
What Is Teak Wood?
Teak wood derives from a tropical hardwood tree species of the same name. Tectona grandis, or teak tree, is native to South and Southeast Asia and Central America. Exported teak products usually come from Indonesia, Thailand, and the Indian subcontinent.
Teak has many species. The main types of this hardwood are Burmese, Indonesian, Thailand, and African plantation teak wood. Brazilian teak is also popular, but it is worth noting that it is a different species altogether.
Similar to acacia, teak has a high oil content. It delivers natural water resistance and insect-repelling properties. At the same time, raw teak does not easily crack or warp under pressure. In fact, untreated teak outdoor furniture can survive for more than 30 years without rotting.
Teak wood also features fine to coarse texture. Meanwhile, it has a tight and straight grain that gives it a luxurious look. This pattern even contributes to the hardness and durability of the teak.
Finally, teak comes in different colors. Many people recognize this hardwood by its deep dark red, reddish brown, or honey-golden hue. It can also turn into a silvery-grey patina when exposed to the elements.
In summary, teak is one of the best choices for your woodworking projects.
Pros and Cons of Teak Wood
It is essential to know the teak wood pros and cons before purchasing teak.
Pros:
- Strong and durable hardwood
- It offers resistance to decay, rot, and termites
- It can withstand exposure to moisture and other harsh outdoor elements
- A long lifespan
- Versatile grain pattern and color
- Aesthetically pleasing look
Cons:
- High cost
- It is difficult to find on the market
Acacia vs. Teak Differences: Comparison
By now, you already know the characteristics of teak and acacia wood. It is time to look at their differences.
The following section is a detailed comparison of teak vs. acacia wood. I will briefly discuss their properties before choosing the winner in each category.
Appearance
Acacia wood and teak are attractive options for your home. However, these hardwoods could not be any more different in appearance.
Acacia has a deep brown or strong red color when freshly cut. It changes to a warm or golden brown hue once dried and sealed. But what truly sets acacia apart from teak is its grain pattern. Acacia hardwood offers ring-like designs or wavy grains that are easy on the eyes.
In contrast, teak is a deep-red or reddish-brown hardwood. This color stays the same, even after the wood dries. It will only change when exposed to the elements. Once you leave it outside, the teak can turn into a silvery-grey patina. Fortunately, it is easy to restore its golden honey shade using a cleaning solution.
The only downside is that the teak grain pattern is not very inspiring, especially when compared to acacia. Nevertheless, it offers a straight and tight grain that can suit various applications.
As for the question of which looks better—teak vs. acacia, it depends on your preference. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Verdict: A tie
Durability and Hardness
Both acacia and teak come from dense wood species. They are hard and durable.
Acacia tree has a hardness rating of 2,300 lbf based on the Janka hardness scale. On the other hand, teak hardness is rated at an average of 1,550 lbf. Meanwhile, Grade A or mature teak offers a rating of over 3,000 lbf. That makes this teak wood species one of the hardest trees.
A higher number on the Janka hardness rating means the hardwood can effectively withstand dents and wear and tear. It also indicates how easy or difficult it is to saw, mill, and nail the surface.
However, this figure is just among the several factors determining a wood’s durability. It is also essential to check its moisture and weather resistance (I will discuss them in the following sections).
Overall, you cannot go wrong with either acacia or teak if you want durable wood. However, choose the latter as it is harder. That said, the acacia wood hardness is still impressive.
Verdict: Teak wins
Moisture Resistance
Acacia and teak wood have natural oils that repel water and moisture.
However, untreated teak has better natural moisture resistance than untreated acacia wood. The main reason is the higher concentration of oils in teak wood. In fact, it contains large amounts of natural oils, which makes it challenging to apply a lubricant. Teak also does not require preserving lubricants, especially when comparing acacia wood.
Nevertheless, both acacia and teak offer reliable moisture-resistant properties, with the latter performing slightly better.
Verdict: Teak wins
Sun and Heat Resistance
There is no doubt that acacia is strong and durable. However, this hardwood is quite sensitive to high temperatures. Its wood fibers bend and break when exposed to extreme heat. Acacia wood can even crack under the sun’s UV rays. Thus, it is not suitable for outdoor use in warm climates.
On the other hand, teak has an impressive heat-resistant performance. It does not crack or warp when the outside temperature gets too high. Hence, it can withstand prolonged exposure to the sun during the summer without any negative impacts.
Teak wood takes the cake in this category.
Verdict: Teak wins
Winter Weather Resistance
Acacia and teak outdoor furniture can effectively resist extreme cold. Thus, both types of hardwood permit use during the winter.
Some wood enthusiasts might argue that teak furniture performs better in cold weather than acacia due to its higher oil content. However, you might find it surprising that acacia outdoor furniture can survive the same winter conditions without damage.
That being said, freezing temperatures can take a toll on your wooden furniture. It is best to store your teak or acacia wood patio furniture indoors for the winter to prolong their lifespan.
Verdict: A tie
Ease of Maintenance
Acacia and teak woods require little to no maintenance. As previously mentioned, they contain a high concentration of natural oils. These can prevent scratches and water spills from damaging the surface.
However, teak outdoor furniture performs slightly better in this category.
First, it is naturally resistant to water. Additionally, it can withstand extremely hot temperatures. Finally, teak furniture can endure scratches and hide dents better.
All these benefits eliminate the need for frequent maintenance and care. It is among the many reasons why teak outdoor furniture is popular.
Verdict: Teak wins
Sustainability
Natural hardwoods are sustainable for the most part. However, it is essential to consider where and how you get them because some species are more eco-friendly than others. One particular case is acacia.
Acacia wood is readily available in large forest areas. It is also under no immediate threat of depletion. The reason is acacia trees grow quickly. So even if they are in high demand, new trees can easily replace old ones.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said for teak. It is one of the most endangered hardwood species today. That is because teak trees suffered from untamed logging starting from the 19th century. There have been efforts to regrow teak plantations. However, they prove to be unsuccessful because teak trees grow slow.
Overall, consider acacia over teak wood if environmental sustainability is among your top priorities.
Verdict: Acacia wins
Price and Availability
Teak and acacia are among the most sought materials for woodworking projects.
However, teak wood tends to be more expensive than acacia. This exotic hardwood is not as readily available. It also suffers from low supply due to illegal logging. Thus, teak furniture usually has a higher price tag.
Meanwhile, acacia wood grows in large plantations in Central America. So while its demand can be high, the prices stay low due to the supply. Finally, acacia wood furniture is highly available in the market.
The winner in this category is obvious.
Verdict: Acacia wins
Applications
Wood is highly versatile. And the same applies to both teak and acacia.
They are ideal for various woodworking projects. These include construction, patio furniture, and cabinetry, among other applications.
Acacia wood is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It can produce durable chairs, tables, countertops, patio furniture, and even cutting boards. It is also excellent for artistic works like birdhouses and wooden bowls.
On the other hand, teak is the top choice for luxury furniture pieces. It is also a great material for boat decks, flooring, paneling, and high-class joinery.
Overall, teak and acacia are neck and neck when it comes to versatility.
Verdict: A tie
Teak vs. Acacia: Which is Better for Your Woodworking Projects?
That sums up the acacia vs. teak debate and detailed comparison!
To reiterate, both acacia and teak are solid and durable. They can also resist weather elements for a longer lifespan. While it seems like they share many characteristics, they differ in many ways.
For instance, acacia is more sustainable and affordable than teak. It is suitable for mid-range indoor furniture design and creative projects.
In contrast, teak is harder compared to acacia wood. It offers stronger resistance to moisture and heat. Thus, it is great for indoor and outdoor use, such as furniture and flooring. However, teak can be expensive and difficult to find in markets.
Ultimately, the choice between these dense woods comes down to the type of project you want to do.
