Are you shopping for outdoor wood furniture, and have you come across a great choice for your backyard that is made with acacia wood?
Let me guess: you’re not really sure what acacia wood is and if it is a good option for your backyard?
Don’t worry! I’ve researched and tested patio furniture to make a list of the pros and cons of acacia wood furniture to help you make an informed decision before you buy.
Not only will you be able to see if acacia is the right type of wood for you, but you can also check out my list of 7 great acacia wood patio furniture options too!
So read on below!
My Take: Is Acacia Wood Good for Patio Furniture?
Yes! Acacia natural wood is a good material for outdoor furniture because it is a hardwood with natural oils that make it durable and naturally weather-resistant.
Patio furniture made with acacia can last many years under the right conditions and if it is properly cared for. Additionally, you can find many stylish acacia wood outdoor furniture options to meet your backyard needs.
✅ Biggest Advantage: Great Price!
Compared to other wood options, like teak wood, acacia wood outdoor furniture is much more reasonably priced. This is one of the main reasons people choose acacia over teak. Additionally, you can find a wide range of acacia outdoor furniture options to meet your backyard needs.
❌ Biggest Disadvantage: Requires More Maintenance Than Other Woods
Although acacia has natural weather resistance, it’s not as durable or hardwearing as other woods, especially in harsh weather conditions. You will have to take some extra care to get the full life out of your acacia wood outdoor furniture.
👉 Special Note:
As you shop for wood patio furniture, you may find some acacia (or other wood types) options listed as teak-look, teak-finish, or acacia teak. Do not be confused – the wood is acacia, not teak. These terms mean that the color is similar to the natural golden brown color of teak.
What is Acacia Wood?
Acacia wood is a type of hardwood that comes from the Acacia genus of trees and shrubs, which comprises hundreds of species, mainly native to Australia and Africa. However, some species are also found in parts of Asia, Europe, and North and South America.
Acacia trees are known to grow more rapidly than some other types of exotic hardwoods. In the right conditions, an acacia tree can reach full maturity in 5 years at a height of about 30 feet.
Acacia wood is very versatile and has been used for various purposes, including furniture, boat building, flooring, musical instruments, and crafting tools.
Acacia wood can be found in a wide range of brown colors, from light brown to dark brown and reddish. Additionally, acacia wood usually has a fine to medium-grain texture, although this can vary depending on the species. The grain pattern can be straight, wavy, or interlocked.
The abundance, versatility, diversity, and durability of acacia wood make it a good choice for many indoor and outdoor furniture options.
The Pros and Cons of Acacia Outdoor Furniture
To help you make the right choice for your backyard, here are all the pros and cons of outdoor furniture made with acacia wood.
The Pros
Here are the 7 pros of acacia wood patio furniture:
#1: Water and Rot-Resistant
Acacia wood contains oils that naturally repel water, insects, and fungus. As a result, acacia wood furniture has a natural resistance to water and rot. This is a crucial property for any wood used for patio furniture.
#2: Naturally Very Durable
Acacia wood is naturally durable, meaning it holds up well to outdoor use. It has a lifespan that can easily extend to several years, which makes it a good investment for outdoor furniture. With proper care, acacia furniture may last a decade or two.
#3: Heavy Enough to Resist Winds
Acacia wood is a dense wood, which means it can be heavy, depending on how it is manufactured. This makes acacia wood a good choice in areas with high winds.
#4: Eco-Friendly
Acacia outdoor furniture is known to be sustainable patio furniture because the acacia tree is known to be a fast-growing tree compared to other hardwoods like teak trees.
Additionally, acacia trees can be grown in many parts of the world. Thus, there is less concern about unsustainable harvesting practices for acacia trees than for other slower-growing hardwoods used to make outdoor furniture.
#5: Visual Appeal
Acacia wood can have a rich color and attractive grain patterns, adding elegance and natural beauty to your outdoor setup. It generally doesn’t need a veneer or aesthetic top layer because the wood itself is quite attractive.#6: Versatility
Acacia wood can be easily stained or painted to match other pieces or to fit a particular aesthetic. This makes it an excellent choice if you are looking for versatility in terms of design options.
#6: Reasonably Priced
Given that acacia trees grow at a faster rate and in more places than some other hardwoods used to make outdoor furniture, there is a greater abundance of acacia wood to make patio furniture.
As a result, acacia wood can usually be sourced at a lower price than other woods like teak wood. This results in acacia wood outdoor furniture being one of the cheaper wood patio furniture options available on the market.
For its durability and appearance, the cost of acacia furniture is usually reasonable. Thus, acacia wood is a popular choice for budget-focused shoppers.
#7: Wide Availability
Given its low cost and great abundance, many manufacturers use acacia wood to make patio furniture. So, you will have plenty of options to shop from across a wide range of retailers to find the ideal choice for your outdoor area.
The Cons
Here are the 9 cons of acacia wood patio furniture:
#1: Excessive Moisture Can Cause Damage
Although the wood is naturally water-resistant, too much water and moisture exposure can make this wood warp and swell.
So, it would be best if you did not leave acacia wood furniture out in the rain for extended periods, nor should you leave acacia wood furniture in grass or other areas where moisture can accumulate.
#2: Sensitive to Humidity
If you live in a humid climate, you must take extra care of your acacia wood patio furniture. Like the acacia wood disadvantage above, too much humidity can cause the wood to warp and swell. Also, too little moisture or humidity can cause this wood to crack.
#3: Sensitive to Extreme Heat and Sun
This wood will dry out, warp, and crack if in constant direct sunlight or exposed to high temperatures and heat sources (e.g., outdoor heater, firepit, or even a hot drink placed directly on the wood) for long durations. Additionally, sun and heat exposure may cause the wood to darken.
#4: Susceptible to Scratches
Acacia wood can get scratched or dented, particularly if you are using sharp or heavy objects on or around it. Once damaged, it’s tough to repair it back to its original state.
#5: Might Be Too Heavy
In some cases, furniture made with acacia can be quite heavy. This heavy weight may make it hard to move for some people. However, the weight of the material is ultimately determined by the type of acacia patio furniture you are looking to buy: some items may naturally be lighter than others.
#6: Regular Maintenance Can Be Needed
Unlike other hardwoods, extra care needs to be applied to this wood. Although it is known as a durable wood, it is not regarded as an extremely durable wood that can withstand many outdoor conditions with little care and maintenance.
Regular oiling or waxing will be required to prevent any moisture issues your backyard environment might create for this wood.
Additionally, you may need to rotate your furniture regularly if it is out in the sun so that one side does not discolor faster than the other (if it is not properly treated for UV resistance).
Also, any spills from alcohol, nail polish, and silicone-based products can draw moisture out of the wood, which will cause it to dry out and crack. So, you will need to clean up these types of spills quickly.
If you want acacia wood furniture to last a long time, then be ready to give it regular, proper maintenance.
#7: Inconsistent Wood Quality
Not all acacia wood is created equal. The quality can vary, which means that if you’re not careful, you might end up with a piece that’s less durable or attractive than you’d hoped.
#8: Inconsistent Color and Grain Patterns
Acacia wood is a knotty wood that can have many defects and variability in its grain patterns and color. As a result, acacia wood slabs can vary from one piece to another. For some people, this variability can be a great aspect of the wood, while others may prefer a more consistent grain and color and a less knotty type of wood.
#9: Color Fading
Like most types of wood used for outdoor furniture, the natural color of acacia wood will fade if continuously exposed to sunlight. You’ll need to treat it or accept that the wood will lighten over time.
7 Great Acacia Wood Outdoor Furniture Options
Not sure if the acacia wood patio furniture you found is the perfect choice for you? Or are you still on the hunt for the right buy for your outdoor space? Then check out these 7 great options (in no particular order)!
- Sunbrella fabric
- Thick cushions
- Lots of color options
- Lots seating and furniture options to include
- Free shipping
- 5-year warranty on Sunbrella fabric
- 30-day return period
- Assembly required
- Only 1-year warranty on frame
RST Brands is one of our top outdoor furniture brands because they make high-quality furniture, and this goes for their Kooper collection. What you’ll really love about this set is the thick, comfy cushions made with Sunbrella fabric.
- Aluminum frame and Polypropylene rope
- Two color options
- Can add additional seating and furniture items
- Minimal assembly required
- 3-year warranty on frame materials
- 14-day return period
- Only 1-year warranty on fabric
Looking for a very stylish outdoor seating set? Check out the Maui collection from Castlery. This modern-styled, rope-weave outdoor furniture will surely stand out in your outdoor space.
- Olefin fabric
- Quick-dry foam cushions
- Seating for 5
- Great price
- Assembly required
- Unknown warranty
AKOYA has a lot of great outdoor furniture items, especially this Rimini collection made with acacia wood. If you need a large seating seat, this can be a great option for you because it has seating for five and comes with a coffee table.
- Water-resistant fabric
- PE Rattan wicker weave
- Thick cushions
- Several side table options
- Assembly required
- Unknown warranty
You have probably encountered Christopher Knight Home already in your search for outdoor furniture. And that’s for a good reason: they make a lot of great and stylish outdoor furniture. The same goes for these Burchett outdoor chairs made from acacia wood. These chairs can look amazing in any outdoor area!
- Incredible price
- Seating for four
- Removable and machine-washable cushion covers
- 2 color options
- Assembly required
- Unknown warranty
Need a very budget-friendly large outdoor seating option? Look no further than this conversation set from Tangkula. This set has seating for four and comes with a coffee table – it will be hard to find another set like this at a better price!
- Thick acacia wood
- UV-resistant cushions
- Seating for 6
- Assembly required
- Only one color option
There are a lot of acacia wood patio dining sets, but this one from Walker Edison should be at the top of your list to check out. Reviews highlighted its solid frame and construction. With seating for six people, this can be an awesome addition to most patios
- Really great price
- Foldable table and chairs
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Some assembly required
In the search for a small outdoor seating set? Then you should definitely check out this bistro set from Best Choice Products. The foldable and lightweight table and chairs make this a breeze to move and store. This is perfect if you have limited outdoor space.
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