Are you ready to transform your patio into an oasis but stuck between two great options, teak and acacia wood? You’re not alone!Â
These two types of wood are becoming increasingly popular for outdoor furniture, but which one is the ideal choice? At first glance, they may look similar, but are they really?
So, let’s jump in and find the best one for your backyard!
When you are done reading below, come back and check out these posts too:
👉 6 must-know tips for buying teak patio furniture – seriously you need to read this!
👉 See how teak compares to aluminum and HDPE, which are other high-quality outdoor furniture materials
👉 Do you know what Grade A teak is? If not, make sure you read this post!
Summary
Winner: Teak!
Across the 7 areas we compared the two kinds of wood, teak wood came out ahead in 5 areas, acacia won in one area, and they took a draw in another area.
Teak and acacia are both popular choices for outdoor furniture, but each has its unique appeal. If you’re seeking elegance and resilience, teak’s superior durability and weather resistance make it a high-end favorite. On the other hand, acacia offers its own charm with plenty of sturdiness, often at a more budget-friendly price.
| Category | Winner | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Resistance | Teak | Teak's high oil content provides natural moisture resistance |
| Sun & Heat Resistance | Teak | Teak's high oil content provides natural sun and heat resistance |
| Durability | Teak | Teak's high density and weather resistance can make it last up to 50 years |
| Winter Durability | Teak | Teak's natural weather resistance is great for winter too |
| Maintenance & Care | Teak | Teak's higher weather resistance and durability means lower maintenance for you |
| Eco-Friendly | Draw | Both can be sustainably harvested |
| Price | Acacia | Acacia wooden patio furniture usually comes with a lower price tag |
A Glimpse at Teak and Acacia
Below is a quick overview of teak and acacia woods
Teak Overview
Found in the tropical forests of southeast Asia, teak trees have given us some of the most beautiful wood used in quality furniture. Teak wood furniture, with its high density and straight grain pattern, has long been considered the gold standard in outdoor use.
Check out all of our pros and cons of teak patio furniture!
Popular Teak Furniture Options
Acacia Overview
Acacia trees grow like wildflowers across various African countries and other continents. The distinctive grain pattern and lighter shade of brown color in acacia wood furniture make it a good option for those looking to spruce up their outdoor space.
Check out all of our pros and cons of acacia patio furniture!
Popular Acacia Furniture Options
Key Similarities
- Natural Beauty: Both kinds of wood display a golden brown color that can turn heads. Their rich natural oils provide an aesthetically pleasing glow that catches the eye.
- Versatility: Teak and acacia can be found in various styles, making them great choices for different kinds of outdoor furniture.
- Eco-Friendly: If you’re green at heart, you’ll be glad to know both are sustainable options.
Key Differences
- Weather Resilience: If harsh weather conditions are a concern, teak might be a better choice. While both are strong woods, teak’s water resistance puts it at a higher level.
- Durability: Teak, with its high oil content and high density, is the clear winner for long-lasting furniture. Acacia, although durable, requires more regular maintenance.
- Price: Teak is typically more expensive than a comparable acacia option. So, if your budget is limited, acacia may be the way to go for you!
🚨 Special Note on Terminology: While shopping, you might come across terms like “teak-look” or “acacia teak.” Don’t be confused; it’s acacia, not teak. It simply means the wood has a similar golden brown color to teak.
Characteristics Comparison
We compare teak and acacia wood on the following characteristics in the sections below. These are the main things we think you should consider before buying your next piece of outdoor furniture with acacia or teak.
- Moisture Resistance
- Sun & Heat Resistance
- Durability
- Winter Durability
- Maintenance & Care
- Eco-Friendly
- Price
#1. Moisture Resistance
Winner: Teak
Reason:Â Teak’s rich natural oils make it highly water-resistant, a quality that has even led to its use in shipbuilding. Acacia, although water resistant, may need proper maintenance to withstand moisture.
Teak’s rich natural oils make it highly resistant to moisture, protecting it from shrinkage, swelling, decay, or drying out. Its water resistance has made it a popular choice in marine applications like shipbuilding. Take a look at this post about why teak can get wet and be left out in the rain with very little worry.
Acacia wood, although moisture resistant, can be more temperamental. Too much water or humidity can cause warping and swelling, while too little might lead to cracking.
#2. Sun & Heat Resistance
Winner: Teak
Reason:Â Teak’s high-oil content provides natural protection against UV rays all year long. Acacia might suffer in direct sunlight unless proper care is taken.
Teak’s natural oils shield it from heat and UV rays, preventing it from drying or cracking. Place teak furniture anywhere in your backyard, and watch it last season after season. It may turn gray over time, but fear not; its durability remains.
Acacia, on the other hand, isn’t so forgiving. Constant direct sunlight or exposure to heat can cause it to dry, warp, and crack. Even a hot drink can leave its mark, and prolonged sun and heat exposure might darken the wood. Choose its spot wisely!
#3. Durability
Winner: Teak
Reason:Â Teak wood is dense and can last a long time. Acacia is durable too but might not last as long as teak.
Teak, a high-density wood known for its sturdiness, makes outdoor furniture that can endure normal wear and tear for up to 50 years. While it can break under extreme conditions, teak generally stands the test of time.
Acacia, also dense and resistant to scratching and cracking, offers durable outdoor furniture as well. With proper care, acacia pieces can last several decades. However, reviews indicate that acacia may not be quite as enduring as teak, sometimes showing more durability issues.
#4. Winter Durability
Winner: Teak
Reason:Â If winter’s coming, teak is a clear winner again because its high natural oil content and density protect it from harsh winter weather. Acacia may not perform well in colder months.
Teak’s natural oils shield it from winter’s harsh elements, preventing decay and rot from snow and cold. It’s a wood that weathers winter well, needing no extra protection.
Acacia, on the other hand, tends to struggle with the excessive moisture of winter conditions.
But don’t take any chances! Even with these robust materials, we always recommend covering or storing patio furniture in winter to keep it at its best.
#5. Maintenance & Care
Winner: Teak
Reason: If less maintenance is your motto, teak’s own natural oil could be your friend. Acacia needs a little more TLC.
Teak thrives with minimal care, gracefully changing from a honey brown to a silvery gray color if left to weather naturally. Simple cleaning with mild soap and water will suffice, and light sanding can remove any marks. If you prefer to preserve its original color, a touch of teak oil or sealant will do the trick.
Acacia, in contrast, demands more attention. Regular oiling or waxing helps combat moisture issues, while rotation can prevent uneven discoloration from the sun. And watch out for spills from products like alcohol or nail polish, as they can quickly dry out and crack the wood. Quick cleanup is key to keeping acacia furniture looking fresh.
#6. Eco-Friendly
Winner: It’s a draw!
Reason:Â Both are eco-friendly, but teak usually comes with certification, whereas acacia’s fast growth makes it a sustainable choice.
Seeking sustainable, eco-friendly outdoor furniture? Look no further than teak, as most outdoor pieces are FSC-certified, ensuring the wood is harvested from sustainably managed forests or plantations. Read more about what FSC-certified teak is (and yes, some acacia wood can be FSC-certified too!)
Alternatively, consider acacia, known for its sustainability as it grows rapidly compared to other hardwoods. This fast growth, along with its adaptability to various global locations, minimizes concerns over unsustainable harvesting practices, making it another excellent choice for green outdoor furnishings.
#7. Price
Winner: Acacia
Reason:Â Looking for quality furniture at a lower cost? Acacia furniture might be your answer. Teak comes with a higher price but also higher quality.
Teak’s standout durability and weather resistance justify its position among the pricier outdoor furniture options. Don’t expect to find many deep discounts within this high-quality range – the cost reflects the material’s robust characteristics.
Conversely, the more abundant acacia offers an economical alternative. With lower sourcing costs, acacia wood furniture stands as one of the more budget-friendly wooden patio options available, without sacrificing quality.
Eucalyptus: Another great wooden patio furniture option!
If you are still on the fence, then you should explore another popular outdoor wood option – eucalyptus. It’s often compared with teak vs acacia as one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture. You can read our full list of pros and cons of eucalyptus patio furniture here. Also, below are some popular eucalyptus wood patio furniture options.
Final Thoughts
The decision between teak and acacia boils down to your needs and preferences. Teak offers natural beauty, durability, and less maintenance but at a higher cost. Acacia offers a beautiful wood experience with a distinctive grain pattern at a lower price but requires more care.
Whether you’re drawn to the high density and elegance of teak or the natural allure and lower cost of acacia, choosing between these two common woods for your outdoor space is all about finding the right wood for you. Make sure you check out the buying options that we listed at the top of this post!
Here’s a toast to your new patio paradise, may it be filled with laughter, love, and the perfect wooden furniture! Happy shopping!
