Acacia wood is prized for its rich grain, durability, and excellent strength—but if you’ve owned or considered outdoor furniture made from acacia, you’ve probably asked this question:

Does acacia wood turn grey over time?

The short answer is yes—but there’s more to the story. In this guide, we’ll break down why acacia wood changes color, what it means for performance and longevity, and how you can maintain its natural beauty through the seasons.

Why Does Acacia Wood Turn Grey? A Scientific Look

Like all hardwoods, acacia contains lignin, a natural compound in cell walls that provides structure and rigidity. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, lignin begins to break down—a process known as photodegradation. As this breakdown occurs, the surface of the wood loses its original color and gradually takes on a silver-grey patina.

This greying is completely cosmetic. It does not affect the strength, structure, or lifespan of the wood itself. In fact, some homeowners even prefer this weathered appearance, as it can give furniture a rustic, coastal look that blends beautifully with natural surroundings.

How Quickly Does Acacia Wood Grey Outdoors?

The timeline depends on multiple factors:

Sun Exposure: Full-sun patios will grey faster than shaded ones.

Climate: High-UV environments like California, Spain, or southern France may see changes in just 2–3 months.

Finish: Oiled or sealed wood takes longer to grey than untreated surfaces.

Rain and Wind: Moisture and airborne debris can accelerate wear and UV impact.

In general, untreated acacia wood left outdoors in direct sunlight will begin to turn grey within a few months, and can be fully silvered in 6–12 months.

Is Greying a Sign of Damage?

Not necessarily. Greying is a natural part of the aging process. It doesn’t indicate rot, cracking, or insect damage. That said, if UV degradation is combined with moisture intrusion, especially in wood with cracks or damaged finish, it can lead to long-term wear and compromise surface integrity.

To be clear: greying = aging, not failure. But protecting the surface from both UV and moisture helps preserve both the look and lifespan of your furniture.

The Tenerife outdoor furniture set made with 100% FSC Sustainable Acacia by Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture

How to Prevent Acacia Wood from Turning Grey

If you love the warm golden or reddish-brown tones of new acacia wood, here’s how to preserve them:

1/ Apply a UV-Protective Oil

Use oils designed for hardwoods, such as teak oil or tung oil. Many outdoor furniture owners reapply oil once or twice a year, especially at the start and end of summer.

Bonus Tip: Look for oils labeled with “UV inhibitors.” These additives block UV rays and slow down lignin breakdown.

2/ Use Furniture Covers

A breathable, waterproof cover protects against both sun and rain. Make sure to use it during extended periods of non-use or bad weather.

3/ Store Furniture in Winter

If you live in a region with heavy snow or freezing temperatures (like Canada, the UK, or the Northern US), indoor storage or covered patios are ideal.

Can You Restore Greyed Acacia Wood?

Yes. Here’s how to bring faded furniture back to life:

1/ Clean with mild soap and water, using a soft brush to remove dirt or mold.

2/ Lightly sand the surface to remove oxidized (grey) fibers.

3/ Reapply oil or a protective finish.

You’ll often be surprised how much original color is still intact beneath the surface layer.

How Acacia Compares to Other Woods