Acacia
[A-ka-zi-e]; noun for robinia [Robinia pseudoacacia]; trade name false acacia, Robinia false acacia (GB)
|
Origin |
USA, Southeast Europe |
|
Raw density |
0.69 – 0.79 g/cm³ |
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Durability class |
1-2 |
|
Radial shrinkage |
4,4 % |
|
Tangential shrinkage |
6,9 % |
|
Wood color |
yellowish olive to brown |
|
Wood structure |
strikingly structured |
|
Use |
Wooden tiles, worktops, terrace wood |
What is acacia?
Acacia is the wood of choice for mass-produced garden timber in the German trade, as it is very cheap and relatively durable. Especially as wooden tiles and worktops 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 south-eastern Europe.
Robinia – The false acacia
People who buy acacia usually buy robinia in Germany. The fact that the botanically incorrect name “acacia” has become established in Germany is due to the visual similarity of the trees. Botanically speaking, the two 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 false acacia, which should correctly be called Robine.
Acacia – advantages and disadvantages
The bottle acacia is one of the few tree species that also grow in Europe and still achieve good durability outdoors. As the tree, which originates from the USA, is very frugal with its habitat, it has spread very widely in Europe and is increasingly displacing the native wood species.
One weakness of 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 in outdoor areas with acacia wood tiles and also with worktops in indoor areas.
Sources: Wikipedia, Holz vom Fach, Tropix Cirad 7
ab 230,00 €
ab 240,00 €
ab 240,00 €
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 weathering.
6,50 €
Garapa wood tiles, FSC 100%
Price: 72 € per m2, resistance class: 1-2
Advantages: ✓ smooth surface ✓ homogeneous, light color
Disadvantages: ✗ Fabrics containing iron lead to discoloration
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 tends to crack ✗ Colored ingredients wash out
Tip:Clean and oil tiles after laying.
7,50 €
Teak wood tiles, FSC 100%
Price: € 83 per m2, resistance class: 1
Advantages:✓ Best durability and dimensional stability ✓ Lowest risk of cracking and splintering
Disadvantages: ✗ slightly more expensive
Tip: Decking oil is not necessary if silvering is desired.
