WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Australian Blackwood
Acacia melanoxylon
Also known as: Blackwood, Tasmanian Blackwood, Acacia Blackwood
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 1,160 lbf (5,160 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 640 kg/m³ (40 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.64
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Usually straight, occasionally interlocked or wavy with attractive fiddle-back figure
- Texture
- Medium to fine
- Durability
- Moderately durable, resistant to decay and insect attack
- Region
- Oceania
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable - widely cultivated in plantations
Overview
Australian Blackwood is a highly prized hardwood from the Acacia family, renowned for its beautiful figured grain and excellent tonal properties in musical instruments.
The heartwood varies from golden brown to dark brown with reddish tones, often featuring attractive darker streaks or fiddle-back figure. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated. Density of approximately 640 kg/m³ when dried, with a Janka hardness of 1,160 lbf. The wood has good dimensional stability and moderate natural durability. Grain is typically straight but can be interlocked or wavy, producing highly decorative figure.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - contains silica which can dull cutting edges
Gluing
Good gluing properties with standard wood adhesives
Finishing
Excellent - responds beautifully to all finishes, particularly oils and lacquers that enhance the natural figure
Steam Bending
Good steam bending characteristics, suitable for curved work
Scent
Mild, pleasant aroma when worked, not overpowering
Assessment
Strengths
- Excellent finishing properties
- Good dimensional stability
- Attractive figure and color
- Takes steam bending well
Weaknesses
- Can have interlocked grain causing tear-out
- Moderate blunting effect on tools
- Color can darken significantly with age
Common Uses
Fine furniture · Musical instruments · Cabinetry · Boat building · Veneer · Turning · Interior trim