Acacia vs Hickory
Curious about acacia vs hickory wood? You’ve come to the right place!
When it comes to hardwoods, acacia and hickory are both good choices. While both provide strength and durability, they also have their own set of benefits and drawbacks that makes picking one over the other difficult.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these woods so you can make an informed decision on which type of wood is best for your needs!
Acacia vs Hickory Characteristics
Acacia wood is found in may be found in Australia, South Africa, the southwestern United States, Central America, and Asia, with over 1,000 distinct species available. The Acacia genus is a member of the legume family. The majority of acacia species grow fast and produce a lot of wood quickly, which contributes to carbon sequestration and soil quality improvement.
Acacia trees have a wide range of forms, sizes, and wood grain patterns. Jamjuree acacia trees, for example, have beautiful exotic grain patterns with golden highlights that work well for furniture design. Its smooth finish can be polished up nicely and easily maintained with a bit of mineral oil.
Acacia is naturally water-proof and insect-proof, making it an excellent choice for furniture. Because acacia has a wide range of advantages and is imported, it is usually more expensive than other hardwoods.
On the other hand, it can be sculpted into unique, high-quality furniture that will last for a long time. This is why we exclusively work with acacia.
Hickory vs Acacia Qualities
Hickory species are found throughout North America. The genus Carya, which includes around 18 different species, is commonly referred to as hickory. Several hickory species are utilized for a variety of purposes, including edible nuts and wood.
The heartwood of the hickory tree is brown or red and is available as “Red Hickory.” The sapwood, which has a lighter hue, is marketed as “White Hickory.” Hickory is usually straight-grained, but it can be wavy or uneven.
Hard, inflexible, and shock-resistant, hickory wood is a very durable choice. The quality of hardness, toughness, hardness, and stiffness exhibited by hickory wood is rarely matched by other timber.
On the other hand, due to its rough texture, hickory is more susceptible to humidity than other woods and can shrink, warp, or swell as a consequence.
Because of its density, hickory makes great firewood. Hickory wood is also used to smoke-cure meats. Hickory is popular in the Southern United States for barbecue since it grows abundantly in the region and adds taste to the meat.
Because of its toughness, Hickory is often used for tool handles, pickaxe handles, bows, wheel spokes, carts, baseball bats, drumsticks, golf club shafts, skis, and walking sticks. Due to its resistance to wear and individuality, hickory wood is sometimes used for flooring, as well.
Wondering about the difference between other woods and acacia? Make sure to check out this other post explaining how eucalyptus compares to acacia.
Acacia vs Hickory FAQ
Which wood is harder hickory or acacia?
Acacia wood is not harder than hickory. But this luxurious hardwood is durable and capable of withstanding constant use, making it perfect for commercial and residential applications. The Janka hardness scale gives acacia a rating of 1700 psi, versus 1820 for hickory.
Is acacia a good hardwood?
Acacia is one of the most desirable hardwoods on the planet. Prized for its exotic wood grain, this wood is not only aesthetically incredible but durable, as well. Many people choose to use acacia wood for dining tables, coffee tables, or flooring. But it’s also one of the most eco-friendly, sustainable options on the planet.
What wood is harder than hickory?
Acacia wood is not harder than hickory. On the Jank hardness scale, acacia has a rating of 1700 psi while hickory has 1820. However, honey mesquite is significantly harder than hickory with a rating of 2340.
Does acacia wood dent easily?
Denting acacia wood is not necessarily easy. The Janka hardness rating ranges from 1700 to 2220, which means this wood is capable of handling plenty of use without denting. This is why so many people are using it for commercial settings and flooring.
Concluding on Acacia vs Hickory
Depending on what you are looking for, acacia and hickory can both be great choices.
Hickory is a tough hardwood that’s excellent for sticks, wheels, baseball bats, and skis. But it can’t be used in all furniture projects. Its rougher texture makes it vulnerable to humidity and it’s not as beautiful as other hardwoods.
Acacia is a very popular choice for home décor since it offers unique designs and a smooth texture that looks great in a variety of applications. This wood is also naturally waterproof and insect-proof, making it an ideal candidate for furniture.
Let’s not forget, the exotic wood grain of acacia has given it a massive fanbase. While hickory is harder, acacia offers a level of luxury that makes it highly desirable in various home and commercial spaces.