Fun fact: 95% of consumers cannot tell which is acacia and which is eucalyptus furniture.

Can you? ⤵️

After reading this article, you will be able to distinguish between these two very popular materials used in garden furniture and also understand why certain furniture products are better made with one but not the other.

Reading time: just 3 minutes 10 seconds!

For the picture above, acacia is on the left, eucalyptus is on the right, and here's why ⤵️

1st difference is the wood grain & color

Acacia wood has a more unique and varied grain pattern than eucalyptus's more uniform look.

Acacia ranges from light yellow to dark brown, while eucalyptus is typically a lighter reddish-brown.

2nd is the sturdiness & the ability to bend

Acacia is a more solid wood. Eucalyptus is also a solid hardwood, but it is easier to bend in the manufacturing process to design special curves in the backrests or armrests to both improve the sophistication and add lumbar support to the furniture.

Our Edinburgh range below, with curved backrests for better lumbar support and rounded armrest handles, is a good example of furniture made better using eucalyptus.

You can see the consistency in colors and grain patterns.

Now let's take a look at our Eden Sofa Set below, made using acacia. Notice the varied colors on the coffee table.

Some customers prefer the consistency, some prefer the natural/varied look.

But what about their natural properties, and what's better for furniture retailers to offer for their customers?

Both kinds of wood naturally resist rot, decay, and insects, making them a great choice for different climates and regions worldwide.

For furniture retailers and buyers, if you are looking for a more consistent and uniform look (in colors and grain pattern) across all products in the same sets or collections, eucalyptus is a better choice.

If your goal is to give your furniture more personality and character by having unique and varied grain patterns and colors, then acacia is the material.

Furniture that requires curves and bends is better made using eucalyptus.

From our 21 years of supplying European furniture retailers, most of our clients prefer eucalyptus because they want consistency across all their products so it's easier for their customers to choose and purchase.

But most importantly, which is more expensive?

The price for acacia & eucalyptus is the same for us, and we give our clients the option to choose.

Lastly, how can retailers buy ethically sourced acacia and eucalyptus furniture?

With wooden outdoor furniture, sustainability is an important consideration for many environmentally-conscious customers.

Manufacturers and suppliers would need to get certified by international organizations to prove the legitimacy of the materials.

At my family business, Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture, all our acacia and eucalyptus furniture is 100% FSC-certified. The Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) is the gold standard in garden furniture certification, ensuring that all materials are sourced sustainably and ethically.

We've maintained the highest standard of FSC certification every year so our clients can offer their customers the best and most sustainable garden furniture Vietnam has to offer.

You can read more about the benefits of sourcing FSC-certified furniture from our blog

In summary, acacia is sturdier and has more varied grain patterns and color ranges than eucalyptus.

For consistency in sets/collections and products that require curves & bends, eucalyptus is the better option.

Another fun fact: We can fit about 615 of our Edinburgh 2-seater benches (120cm or 47.2 inches) into a 40'HC shipping container. Edinburgh is popular among our clients because their customers love the bench!