Wood lexicon Types of wood

acacia

[Acacia]; coll. for black locust [Robinia pseudoacacia]; Trade names false acacia, Robinia false acacia (GB)

acacia

Origin

USA, Southeast Europe

bulk density

0,69 - 0,79 g/cc

durability class

1 2

radial shrinkage

4,4%

Tangential shrinkage

6,9%

wood color

yellowish olive to brown

wood structure

strikingly structured

Usage

Wood tiles, countertops, decking wood

In the German trade, acacia is the wood for mass-produced goods in the garden wood segment, as it is very cheap and relatively durable. Especially as Wooden tiles and  countertops the wood is offered. As a rule, this is not the real acacia wood from Africa, but robinia, which originally grows in North America, but is now also planted in Southeast Europe.

Robinia – The false acacia

Whoever buys acacia in Germany usually buys robinia. The fact that the botanically incorrect name "acacia" has prevailed in Germany is due to the visual similarity of the trees. From a botanical point of view, both species have hardly anything in common and do not even share the same genus family. Since the real acacia wood from Africa can hardly be found on the European market, this article deals with the fake acacia, which should correctly be called Robine.

Acacia – advantages and disadvantages

The flat acacia is one of the few tree species that also grow in Europe and still achieve good durability outdoors. Since the tree, which originated in the USA, is very frugal with its location, it has spread very widely in Europe and is increasingly displacing the native wood species.

A weakness of the false acacia is its high risk of warping, cracking and splintering. Drying must proceed very slowly so that the wood does not warp. Nevertheless, increased warping can occur outdoors with acacia wood tiles and also with worktops indoors.

Sources: Wikipedia, wood from the tray, Tropix Cirad 7

from 220,00 

excl. Shipping

from 230,00 

excl. Shipping

from 230,00 

excl. Shipping

6,50 

Cumaru wood tiles, FSC 100%
Price: €72 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages: ✓ best durability ✓ particularly robust and scratch-resistant

Disadvantages: ✗ partly rough surface

Tip:Sand tiles after initial exposure to weather.

6,50 

Garapa wood tiles, FSC 100%
Price: €72 per m2, resistance class: 1-2

Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ homogeneous, light color

Disadvantages: ✗ Ferrous substances lead to discolouration

Tip: Patio cleaning removes discoloration

6,50 

Jatoba wood tiles, FSC 100%
Price from: €72 per m2, resistance class: 1-2

Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ strong color and grain

Disadvantages:✗ unoiled tendency to crack ✗ colored ingredients wash out

Tip:Clean and oil tiles after installation.

7,50 

Teak wood tiles, FSC 100%
Price: €83 per m2, resistance class: 1

Advantages:✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracks and splinters

Disadvantages: ✗ slightly more expensive

Tip: Terrace oil is not necessary if silvering is desired.