acacia
[Acacia]; coll. for black locust [Robinia pseudoacacia]; Trade names false acacia, Robinia false acacia (GB)
|
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 |
What is acacia?
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
Those who buy what they believe to be acacia in Germany are usually buying black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). The botanically incorrect name "acacia" has become so prevalent in Germany due to the trees' visual similarity. However, the two species have very little in common botanically and don't even belong to the same genus. Since genuine acacia wood from Africa is rarely found on the European market, this article focuses on the incorrect name, which should more accurately be called black locust.
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 230,00 € m²
from 240,00 € m²
from 240,00 € m²
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.
