As its name suggests, acacia flooring comes from acacia wood, which is native to Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. This wood has distinctive grain patterns and rich color variations, making it an appealing option for homeowners who want an exotic wood without a high price tag. Still, acacia hardwood has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before buying.
If you’re considering acacia wood for your home but you’re not sure about your decision yet, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn all about the pros and cons of acacia hardwood and how to decide if it’s right for your home.
Pros and Cons of Acacia Hardwood Flooring
For a quick look at the pros and cons of acacia hardwood flooring, check out the chart below. We’ll dig further into each advantage and disadvantage below.
Acacia Hardwood Flooring Pros
Unlike other types of exotic-looking woods, acacia has a unique blend of practical perks that make it an ideal option for homeowners. Before you decide what type of flooring to buy, here’s a closer look at some of the pros of acacia hardwood floors.
Unique Coloring
One of acacia’s most striking features is its unique coloring. This hardwood boasts a wide range of hues within a single plank, from deep browns and auburn reds to pale bronze and beige tones. Since the appearance of acacia flooring varies so much, it means that no two planks are exactly alike. Acacia wood is also versatile in terms of finish: It looks amazing whether you leave it natural or stain it.
High Durability and Water Resistance
Acacia has a reputation for being durable, and new acacia flooring often comes with a warranty of up to 50 years. Acacia is harder than oak, maple, and mahogany, so it works well for high-traffic areas in homes with active families and pets. Despite its hardness, it’s still comfortable underfoot. It’s also resistant to water and mold growth, which makes it a perfect choice for kitchens and homes in humid climates.
However, no wood flooring is completely waterproof, so you still need to clean up spills promptly to preserve the wood, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Although acacia is fire-resistant, it’s not completely fireproof, so it’s important to exercise proper fire prevention and safety.
If you want to see how acacia’s durability stacks up against other durable woods, check out our acacia and walnut comparison.
Simple Maintenance
Maintaining acacia flooring is relatively straightforward because the wood’s durability makes it less likely to scratch from everyday dirt and debris. Just sweep the floors and clean them with a damp mop once a week to keep them looking their best.
The variegated coloring of acacia also helps hide dirt, maintaining a clean appearance even between cleanings. However, if you want your floors to sparkle, you should plan on refinishing them once every 10 years or so.
Moderate Cost
While acacia flooring may look luxurious, it’s often more affordable than other exotic hardwoods like teak, mahogany, or rosewood. Manufacturers also sell acacia in solid, engineered, and laminate forms, offering options to suit all kinds of budgets.
Choosing machine-scraped finishes over hand-scraped hardwood flooring finishes can also help reduce costs. Since acacia wood is very popular, most retailers offer a wide range of types, colors, and finishes to customers.
Environmental Sustainability
Unlike other exotic hardwoods, acacia grows quickly and requires minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides, making it a more sustainable option. You can also salvage and reuse acacia when you remodel or demolish your home. Homeowners who care deeply about sustainability should look for acacia flooring that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies.
Acacia Hardwood Flooring Cons
While acacia flooring offers a lot of benefits, no wood flooring is without its list of cons. Here are some limitations to keep in mind if you’re considering acacia for your home.
Irregular Appearance
To many, the same color variations that make acacia flooring unique can be a drawback. Acacia typically has a lot of knots and natural irregularities, and when you add that to its inconsistent color, there’s a lot of variation. Some think these characteristics add to the floor’s charm, but others may see it as overly busy.
Short Planks
Acacia trees are very short, so the planks from this wood are typically shorter than other common hardwoods like oak and maple. Acacia flooring planks usually measure around 2 feet in length, and they rarely exceed 4 feet.
These shorter lengths result in more joints between boards and can contribute to an irregular appearance. However, shorter planks can be advantageous for creating intricate patterns (like herringbone, chevron, or basketweave designs) on your floor.
Potential for Shrinkage
Before you buy acacia flooring, make sure the manufacturer kiln-dries the wood. If not, it can lead to the planks shrinking after installation, especially in dry climates. If the planks shrink, it can ruin your entire installation. For best results, only buy from reputable suppliers with consistently good online reviews.
Long Acclimation Period
Before you install it, acacia wood needs to acclimate to the new environment. We recommend letting the flooring sit in your home for at least a week before you install it.
This acclimation period allows the wood to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the home, which can minimize the risk of expansion or contraction after you install it. If you don’t let your wood acclimate, you could get gaps or buckling in the floorboards over time, which is a big downside.
Additional Acacia Hardwood Flooring Considerations
Aside from the initial pros and cons, make sure to understand these factors before deciding on acacia hardwood for your floors.
Installation Process
The installation process for acacia flooring is similar to other hardwoods, but its hardness can make it a bit more challenging to work with, especially for DIY homeowners.
For best results, we recommend professional floor installation from one of the best flooring companies to make sure that you have proper expansion gaps to accommodate natural wood movement. While this might increase your initial costs, it guarantees a long-lasting and beautiful floor.
Restoration Options
Acacia’s durability also makes it easier to restore. When the surface shows signs of wear, you can sand and refinish the floorboards with ease. This may not make much of a difference in the short term, but over time, you can maintain your floors and save money on replacements.
Geographic Availability
Acacia flooring is widely available in most areas of the world, but your location can impact the price and selection. Before you make a decision, browse online and in stores to price out your purchase and factor it into your budget.