Mahogany Vs. Acacia Wood

It is no doubt that Mahogany and Acacia are two excellent wood choices for furniture making, among other kinds. They both have unique features as well as differences and similarities. Due to this, it will be challenging to choose which is the best option for your home.

The Mahogany tree is native to different islands in the Caribbean. These species are also native to South Florida in the United States. It takes about 25 years for the trees to reach maturity while living for almost 350 years. Lastly, they can grow up to 75 feet in height.

The Acacia can also be called the mimosa or thorn tree. It is a genus of trees and shrubs that belong to the ‘Fabaceae family. These trees only live for about 20 to 30 years but are fast growers and can reach a height of 1.5-2 meters within 3 to 4 years. They are native to the subtropical and tropical parts of the world (especially Australia and Africa).

One significant difference between Mahogany and Acacia wood is that Acacia wood is usually expensive compared to Mahogany wood. Although, Mahogany is more available than Acacia.

Mahogany Vs Acacia Wood
 MahoganyAcacia
Wood typeMahogany is a hardwood.Acacia is a hardwood.
ColorMahogany wood is usually a light pink or red color, but it becomes a rich reddish-brown as it matures.Acacia wood appears in different colors. The standard colors range from reddish-brown to deep brown.
DensityThe African Mahogany has a density of 31-53 lb/ft³.The density of Acacia wood varies with each specie. The highest figure is 760 kg/m³.
CostThe cost of Mahogany wood is all dependent on its grade. A grade is more costly than a B grade, but they are more expensive than Acacia wood.Acacia wood is a highly durable wood considered cheaper than most hardwoods, Mahogany included.
GrainMahogany wood has a fine long, usually straight grain with pores that sometimes have a slight wave.Acacia wood has a beautiful and unique grain pattern, something you will not see in most woods. The grain is occasionally straight or wavy with open pores.
WorkabilityMahogany comes with little to no voids and pockets, making it easy to manipulate and work with when using machines or hand tools.Acacia wood is a very strong wood, though that does not make it difficult to work with. Using hand tools on Acacia wood can dull them.
AvailabilityMahogany trees are in abundance compared to Acacia trees.Acacia trees are not as available as Mahogany trees.

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Differences Between Mahogany and Acacia

Uses

Mahogany and Acacia wood are used for different purposes due to their difference in properties.

Mahogany is a versatile hardwood and can be used to make several things; some of them are listed below.

  • Mahogany trees can be used as a shade tree due to their high level of wind resistance. 
  • Mahogany wood is used in the making of furniture and flooring veneers.
  • The wood is a fantastic choice for making musical instruments such as violins, guitars, grand pianos, and drums due to the warm sound.
  • Mahogany wood does a great job of holding nails and glued well, making it an excellent option for doors.
  • African Mahogany is used to make boats and yachts because of its resistance to water damage.
  • You can use it for paneling and high-end trim work.

On the other hand, Acacia wood may not be as versatile as Mahogany wood but is also used for different purposes.

  • Due to its strength, it is used as supporting beams.
  • Acacia wood is used to manufacture bathroom, kitchen, and garden furniture due to its durability.
  • It is used in the making of countertops and chopping boards. 
  • It is used for building ships and manufacturing floors and platforms.
  • Acacia wood is used to make musical instruments such as acoustic guitars. 
  • The Acacia oil makes fragrances due to its warm and inviting scent.

Durability

The durability of wood is an essential feature because it determines how long your woodwork will last. When it comes to durability, both wood choices are incredibly durable, but Acacia wood has a higher resistance than Mahogany wood. 

Mahogany is a durable wood resistant to mold, rot, and decay. It is expected to last for more than 20 years with adequate maintenance. Mahogany is water-resistant; it is immune to water damage due to the absence of pockets and grooves. 

Lastly, it is resistant to scratches and dents but nothing compared to Acacia wood. Constant scratches will eventually lead to damage as it is not scratch-proof. 

Acacia wood is also highly durable and is not prone to scratching. You can use this wood for about 40 years before it needs to be touched up. 

It is known for its high resistance to water which means it will not warp. Another great feature is its natural resistance to insects, rot, mold, and fungus. It has a natural antibacterial feature. 

Strength

When it comes to strength, both kinds of wood are considerably strong, but Acacia wood has the upper hand. Mahogany wood has a compressive strength of 6,460 psi, bending strength of 10,700 psi, a stiffness of 1.40, and a hardness of 830 lb. Lastly, its Janka score varies from 800-900 lbf. Acacia wood has a higher Janka hardness rating of 2300 lbf. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Which is better, Acacia or Mahogany wood?

This all depends on your usage as they are both perfect for different purposes. Acacia wood is stronger and denser than Mahogany wood, but they share similar properties such as resistance to water, rot, and decay.

Acacia wood is said to last longer than Mahogany wood. It all comes down to your preference.

Which is more costly, Mahogany or Acacia wood?

Acacia wood is less expensive when compared to Mahogany, but Mahogany is more available and in abundance than Acacia.

Are both wood choices durable?

Yes, they are incredibly durable for both outdoor and indoor furniture and other purposes. The strength and resistance of both wood choices enable them to last for an extended period. 

Conclusion

There you have it, the differences between Mahogany and Acacia wood. As stated earlier, both wood choices have unique features and will be sure to suit your needs. If you are more interested in a firmer wood, then Acacia is your best option out of the two.

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