The Sustainable Wood Material You'll Want To Use Everywhere In Your Home

Whether it's used for flooring, warm cabinets to brighten up your kitchen, or for a range of modern and classic furniture, there's no shortage of what you can do with wood in your home. But, not all wood is created equal. Don't stress about spending hours researching the perfect option, though. If you're looking to update your home with a versatile and sustainable material then acacia is the way to go.

Acacia, called "wattle" in Australia, comes from species of trees and shrubs found in various regions including Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Due to its strength and beauty, this lumber has been used by humans for centuries for a variety of projects including household goods like kitchenware, furniture, and even boat-building. In fact, it was one of the primary materials for the British Royal Navy's Ships-of-the-Line. 

Conversations about using wood in homes rightfully brings up a lot of environmental concerns. As long as its harvested properly, wood in general is a sustainable resource, but acacia is an especially environmentally-friendly option because it grows rapidly at about 24 to 36 inches per year and can be found worldwide. If you leave the roots alone, an acacia tree can regrow itself 2-3 times, and its growth doesn't put a lot of strain of the environment. 

Naturally, acacia's beauty is one of its biggest benefits. While it is usually found in a warm brown with striking variations of grain patterns, acacia's exact looks vary depending on the specific species it comes from. Combined with the fact that acacia may change color slightly over time, this allows for each acacia-crafted piece to really have a unique feel. 

However, acacia is prized for more than just its strength and appearance. It's also known for being an incredibly durable material. Acacia is famously resistant to water and pests partially because the tree deposits a lot of substances that act as preservatives into its hardwood. While that makes acacia unappealing to insects, it's a huge plus for us, and makes it an especially fantastic choice for your outdoor furniture. Although remember: Water-resistant doesn't mean waterproof, so don't leave your acacia pieces wet for long periods of time. 

Lastly, acacia is a fairly easy wood to maintain. Properly cleaning your wood furniture can be tricky. With acacia, the biggest thing is to ensure that you don't use cleaners containing chemicals like silicone and aluminum or any rough tools. Instead, use a soft cloth and a simple mix of vinegar and water for maintenance, and always tidy up immediately if there's any spills. With good maintenance, acacia can last you a lifetime.