Acacia wood and Shittim wood: Which is the superior choice? You’re not alone if you’re trying to decide between furniture crafted from acacia wood and shittim wood. Both kinds of wood are stunning and can elevate the beauty of any space in your home. However, when you take a closer look, you’ll discover that acacia and shittim, despite their similar names, come from entirely different trees, each offering unique and intriguing qualities. Curious to find out which one suits your needs best? Keep reading to make an informed choice.
Origin: Acacia wood vs Shittim Wood
Acacia trees thrive in North Africa and parts of South America, while shittim trees, also known as black acacia, are native to Central America and Mexico. Shittim wood, a specific type of acacia, was a standard in the Holy Land and was frequently used in biblical times by carpenters and shipbuilders to construct boats, ships, and even palaces. This historical significance adds a unique connection to the past when considering shittim wood for your projects.
Appearance
Color: Acacia wood offers a variety of colors, ranging from golden tones and caramel browns to deep dark browns with subtle hints of burnt orange. As the wood ages, its color naturally deepens. In contrast, shittim wood has a darker appearance, typically dark brown to black. Unlike acacia, shittim wood is often painted or stained, giving it a broader spectrum of available colors.
Grain Pattern: Acacia wood features a bold and unique grain pattern, known for its prominent cross-grain lines and large pores that add texture and visual interest to furniture and flooring. This unique grain pattern can make the furniture look more rustic or natural. Shittim wood, on the other hand, has a more defined and uniform grain pattern. When examining the ends of the boards, shittim wood reveals a tight, consistent pattern of rings. This uniform grain pattern can make the furniture more polished or refined. In contrast, acacia wood displays a looser, less uniform grain.
Hardness and Density:
Acacia wood is stronger, harder, and more durable than shittim wood. Its density is around 0.75 g/cmยณ, and its hardness rating is four on the Janka scale. In comparison, shittim wood is less dense, with a density of about 0.5 g/cmยณ and a hardness rating of 2 on the Janka scale. This makes acacia wood the sturdier and longer-lasting option of the two.
Durability and Strength:
Acacia wood is generally stronger than shittim wood, thanks to the presence of lignin, which enhances its strength and durability. In contrast, shittim wood is not as durable, especially when exposed to moisture. It dries quickly when cut and left in the sun without processing, but this causes it to decay within two or three years if not treated with oils or resins. Its strength is considered average compared to acacia.
Water Resistance:
Acacia wood, a hardwood known for its durability and resistance to decay and insects, is a reassuring choice for your projects. It’s commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, and even railroad ties. On the other hand, Shittim wood, while historically valued for its resistance to water damage, is much softer and more prone to water damage than acacia, making it less durable in moist conditions.
Cost:
The primary difference in cost between acacia wood and shittim wood is that acacia wood tends to be more affordable. While both are hardwoods, they come from different trees. Shittim wood is more commonly found in Israel, and due to its limited availability and high demand, its price is generally higher than that of acacia wood.
Maintenance and Eco-Friendliness:
Shittim wood may be more expensive, but it requires very little maintenance. In contrast, acacia wood is cheaper initially but demands more frequent maintenance. Over the first five years, the upkeep costs of acacia wood can add up, balancing out its lower purchase price.
Both acacia and shittim wood are considered environmentally friendly, as they do not release harmful toxins into the atmosphere. However, other factors come into play when comparing their eco-friendliness. The hardness of shittim wood makes it more challenging to manufacture, resulting in a higher production cost per square foot compared to the softer acacia wood. Additionally, the limited availability of shittim wood can lead to overharvesting and deforestation, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Uses:
Acacia wood has been used centuries to craft benches, tables, chairs, and other outdoor furniture. Similarly, shittim wood has a long history, dating back to biblical times, when it was used to construct religious items like the Ark of the Covenant. Its hardness and insect resistance made it ideal for furniture, musical instruments, and temple furnishings. Shittim wood is also known for being particularly heavy.
Conclusion
Acacia is a beautiful and versatile wood derived from five different tree species. Shittim wood, which is also solid and similar to acacia, is often used interchangeably with it, as both provide high-quality timber. However, the shittim tree is native to the Middle East and Western Asia, while acacia is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa. Another distinction is their color; acacia wood typically has a brownish hue, while shittim wood is nearly pure white.
