Vietnamese Wood Furniture Guide: Acacia, Teak & Eucalyptus Wood
- Thu Uyên Đỗ
- Jul 18
- 9 min read
Vietnam wood furniture is gaining global attention for its quality craftsmanship, sustainable sourcing. Three prominent types used by Vietnamese furniture manufacturers are acacia, teak, and eucalyptus wood. In this guide, we compare acacia, teak, and eucalyptus wood to help buyers choose the right material, while exploring why Vietnam has become a leading hub for premium furniture production.
Vietnam’s Wood Furniture Industry: 2024 Performance and Sustainability Trends
According to Vietnam Briefing, in 2024, Vietnam’s wood industry reached a new milestone with export earnings of US$17.3 billion. Of this, US$16.25 billion came from timber and wood products, while another US$1.05 billion was generated from non-timber forest products like bamboo and rattan. Wooden furniture alone accounted for US$3.1 billion, underscoring the strong global appetite for Vietnam wood furniture.
Sustainable sourcing is becoming a major focus. According to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST), more than 520,000 hectares of forest, around 13% of the country’s planted forest area, are now FSC-certified. The goal is to double this to 1 million hectares by 2030, as outlined in Vietnam’s forestry development strategy.
Vietnam’s product range is also evolving. While wooden furniture still makes up about 60% of wood export value, manufacturers are increasingly introducing value-added, eco-friendly options. This includes products made from recycled materials and fast-growing resources like bamboo, in response to global sustainability trends and growing consumer demand for circular products.
Acacia Wood in Furniture
Acacia wood is a durable tropical hardwood found across Asia’s tropical and subtropical regions, with Vietnam being a major source. Known for its solid, attractive grain and light, golden-brown color, Vietnamese acacia is widely used in indoor and outdoor furniture production.
One of acacia’s key advantages is its sustainability. It grows rapidly, often reaching harvestable size in just 5–7 years, allowing forests to be replanted quickly and ensuring a steady supply. This fast growth, combined with its natural hardness and density comparable to more expensive species like teak, makes acacia both cost-effective and long-lasting. Its combination of strength, beauty, and eco-friendly credentials has made it a preferred wood choice for global furniture manufacturers.
a. Characteristics of Acacia wood
Antimicrobial Properties
Acacia wood has natural antimicrobial properties, which means that it can help to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. This makes it a good choice for furniture that will be used in areas where hygiene is important, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Hardness
Acacia wood is a very hard wood, with a Janka hardness rating of 1,360 to 1,820 lbf. This means that it is very resistant to wear and tear, making it a good choice for furniture that will be subjected to a lot of use.
Scents/Smells
Acacia wood has a cheerful and mesmerizing smell. It smells like honey and has a bright fragrance that spreads all around. The iris-like smell of acacia is very good at relieving stress or depression.
Sustainability
Acacia wood is sustainable as it grows very fast. It is easy to grow acacias under several climatic conditions. Acacia's ability to grow in diverse climatic conditions prevents it from becoming extinct. It grows with high-quality wood in hot weather and rarely requires any pesticides or fertilizers. Moreover, many other species of acacia trees can grow in cold weather as well.
Density
According to Dang et al. (2020), Vietnamese Acacia wood ranges from 0.36–0.69 g/cm³ in density. A. auriculiformis reaches 0.54 g/cm³ at 5.5 years and 0.69 g/cm³ at 11 years, showing it gets denser and stronger with age, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear.
Water and Weather Resistance
Acacia wood possesses natural water resistance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor furniture. This characteristic prevents the wood from warping or decaying when exposed to moisture, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications.
b. How Acacia Differs from Other Woods
Color
Acacia wood typically features a rich, golden-brown hue that deepens with age. Some pieces may exhibit slight reddish or orange undertones.
Weight
The density of acacia wood typically ranges from 360 to 690 kg/m³ (22 to 43 lbs/ft³), depending on the species and age. Compared to teak and eucalyptus, acacia wood tends to be lighter.
Grain Pattern
Acacia's grain pattern is usually interlocked, giving it a distinct and visually appealing texture. The wood may also display wavy or straight grain lines, enhancing its unique charm.
Cost
Acacia has a moderate price tag, but it’s less expensive than teak, with plenty of quality and style.
Teak Wood in Furniture
Teakwood in Vietnam is a precious and highly valued hardwood in Vietnam’s furniture industry. Renowned for its exceptional durability, strength, and beautiful grain patterns, teak is in high demand for crafting exquisite furniture pieces. With its natural resistance to decay and pests, teakwood requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture
Vietnam’s tropical climate provides favorable conditions for teak cultivation, supporting its growth and enhancing its natural oils - one of the key factors behind its long lifespan. As global demand for sustainably sourced teak furniture continues to rise, Vietnam has adopted stricter regulations and certification systems (such as FSC®) to promote responsible forestry and ethical trade.
a. Characteristics of Teak wood
Exceptional Weather/ Water Resistance
Teak wood is renowned for its exceptional weather resistance, making it a top choice for outdoor furniture. The presence of natural oils and silica in teak wood contributes to its water-resistant properties, making it resistant to rot, decay, and damage caused by prolonged exposure to water. Due to these characteristics, teak wood is often considered one of the most durable and weather-resistant types of wood available.
Resistant to Warping and Cracking
Teak wood's inherent stability and resistance to moisture absorption help prevent warping, cracking, and splitting. This makes teak furniture highly reliable, especially in environments with varying humidity levels.
Impressive Heat Insulation
Teak wood has excellent heat insulation properties, making it comfortable to sit on even during hot weather. This characteristic makes teak furniture a preferred choice for outdoor seating in sunny climates.
Low Maintenance
Teak requires minimal maintenance, as its natural oils help keep the wood in excellent condition. Occasional cleaning and sealing can further enhance its longevity, but teak's inherent qualities make it a low-maintenance option for outdoor furniture.
Unique Aroma
Freshly cut teak wood emits a distinctive and pleasant aroma, often described as a mix of leather and freshly mown grass.
Sustainability
Teak trees can naturally regenerate from fallen seeds or branches and are known for their rapid growth, ensuring a sustainable supply of teak wood.
b. How Teak Differs from Other Woods
Color
Teak wood exhibits a spectrum of brown hues, ranging from golden to deeper chocolate tones, creating a rich, lustrous appearance. This variation gives teak furniture a rich, warm, and timeless appearance that grows more elegant with age.
Patina
When exposed to sunlight and outdoor elements, teak gracefully weathers into a silvery-gray patina. Far from being a flaw, this transformation is a hallmark of genuine teak and a reason for its enduring popularity in outdoor furniture.
Weight
Teak is moderately heavy, with a density averaging 610–750 kg/m³ (at 12% moisture content), according to Bakewell-Stone (2022) in the CABI Compendium on Tectona grandis (teak). This makes it heavier than acacia or eucalyptus, giving furniture a solid and substantial feel.
Grain Pattern
Teak typically displays straight, even grain lines with a fine, smooth texture. This creates a refined, classic look that distinguishes it from woods. This subtle grain is one of the reasons it has been used for centuries in shipbuilding, temples, and high-end furniture.
Cost
Because teak is cultivated in managed plantations to ensure sustainability, it often carries a higher price tag compared with other woods. However, this cost reflects its unmatched durability, low maintenance, and timeless elegance.
Eucalyptus Wood in Furniture
Eucalyptus wood is gaining popularity as a sustainable and cost-effective option for furniture manufacturing. Eucalyptus wood is a fast-growing species commonly found in Vietnam that has been widely planted in the country for its various uses. Eucalyptus is often used to create budget-friendly furniture without compromising on quality and durability.
a. Characteristics of Eucalyptus wood
Fire Resistance
Eucalyptus wood has natural fire-resistant properties, making it a safer choice for various applications. It can resist ignition and slow down the spread of flames.
Environmentally Friendly Staining
Eucalyptus wood accepts stains and finishes exceptionally well, allowing for a wide range of color options and finishes. Due to its effective stain absorption, it requires fewer coats of stain or finish, reducing the need for excessive chemical treatments, making it environmentally friendly and eco-conscious.
Resistance to Decay and Rot
Eucalyptus wood's natural oils and resins not only deter insects but also make it highly resistant to decay, termite, and rot. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for outdoor furniture and structures, where exposure to moisture and humidity is common.
Sustainability
Eucalyptus is highly regarded for its sustainability due to its rapid growth rate and the ability to be harvested and replanted quickly.
b. How Eucalyptus Differs from Other Woods
Color
Eucalyptus wood's lighter color distinguishes it from the deeper shades of acacia and teak. Eucalyptus wood can have various color tones, but it generally features warm, light shades, with some pieces displaying reddish or pinkish undertones.
Patina
Over time, eucalyptus develops a silver-gray patina similar to teak, though not as evident.
Weight
Eucalyptus wood varies widely in density depending on the species. According to Werdin et al. (2020, Science of the Total Environment), tests on 18 eucalyptus species found wood densities spanning from 572 to 960 kg/m³, confirming its wide variability across the genus. But under normal conditions, eucalyptus typically falls around 500–650 kg/m³. Among acacia and teak wood, the heaviest one is teak.
Grain
Eucalyptus typically displays a straight and uniform grain pattern, different from the more intricate grain patterns of acacia and teak. Also, since the wood is grown and pruned on a plantation, there tends to be few knots or other abnormal grain patterns.
Cost
With a much lower price tag than acacia or teak, eucalyptus is a budget-friendly choice for your patio.
Acacia vs Teak vs Eucalyptus: Which Wood is Best for Furniture?
Weather Resistance and Storage:
Eucalyptus and teak both boast excellent weather resistance, making them ideal choices for outdoor furniture that can withstand varying climates. Acacia, though durable, may require storage in colder climates to prevent potential damage. If you frequently rearrange or store your outdoor furniture, the lighter weight of acacia may be advantageous.
Affordability and Quality:
While teak is often considered the pinnacle of outdoor furniture materials due to its high quality and luxurious appearance, the more budget-friendly prices of acacia and eucalyptus furniture make them attractive options for those seeking quality at a more affordable cost.
Hardness and Durability:
In terms of hardness, acacia and teak are similar and offer excellent performance as hardwoods in outdoor settings. While acacia is lighter in weight, it remains a robust and durable option. Teak's denser composition contributes to its renowned sturdiness and longevity.
Comparison Table: Acacia vs Teak vs Eucalyptus
The best wood type for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a durable and weather-resistant wood for outdoor furniture, then teak wood is a good choice. If you are looking for a lighter wood that is still strong and durable, then acacia wood is a good option. And if you are looking for a wood that is both beautiful and affordable, then eucalyptus wood is a good choice.
Feature | Acacia | Teak | Eucalyptus |
Density | 360–690 kg/m³ (light–medium) | 610–750 kg/m³ (moderately heavy) | 500–650 kg/m³ (varies by species) |
Durability | Strong, resistant to wear, but benefits from protection outdoors | Extremely durable, naturally resists rot, pests, and weather | Durable outdoors but may need extra treatment for longevity |
Sustainability | Fast-growing (5–7 years to harvest), widely replanted | Managed plantations, slower-growing | Very fast-growing, widely available, highly renewable |
Appearance | Golden-brown with interlocked grain | Rich golden to dark brown, straight grain, develops silver patina | Light warm tones, uniform grain, occasional pinkish undertones |
Cost | Moderate, more affordable than teak | Premium, higher cost due to quality and demand | Budget-friendly, most affordable option |
Best Use | Indoor & outdoor furniture; cost-effective and sustainable | Luxury indoor & outdoor furniture; premium longevity | Outdoor furniture; eco-conscious, affordable choice |
No matter which wood type you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality wood that will last for many years to come.
Vietnamese furniture manufacturers are fortunate to have access to an array of quality woods, including acacia, teak, and eucalyptus, each offering unique characteristics and benefits. Each of the three hardwoods offers unique advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the desired aesthetic for your outdoor space. Teak remains the top choice for those seeking a premium, timeless option, while acacia and eucalyptus provide excellent alternatives that don't compromise on quality but are more budget-friendly. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of teak, the warm charm of acacia, or the eco-conscious appeal of eucalyptus, Vietnamese furniture will undoubtedly add an exquisite touch to your living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which wood is best for outdoor furniture? Teak is considered the best choice for outdoor use due to its natural oils and weather resistance. Eucalyptus is also a great option at a lower price point, while acacia performs well but may require extra care in harsh climates.
2. Is acacia furniture sustainable? Yes. Acacia is one of the most sustainable hardwoods because it grows quickly (5–7 years to harvest) and adapts to diverse climates with minimal chemical input.
3. Why is teak furniture more expensive? Teak is slower-growing and prized for its exceptional durability, weather resistance, and timeless aesthetic. Plantation management and certification (such as FSC®) also add to its cost.
4. How does eucalyptus compare to teak in durability? Eucalyptus is durable and resistant to decay, but it generally has a shorter lifespan than teak. With proper treatment and maintenance, however, eucalyptus can perform well outdoors for many years.
5. What is the most affordable wood for furniture among the three? Eucalyptus is usually the most budget-friendly, followed by acacia. Teak is the most expensive, but its longevity often makes it a worthwhile investment.
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