Australian Blackwood
Acacia melanoxylon
Also known as: Tasmanian Blackwood, Acacia Blackwood
Exotic / ImportedPremium
Janka Hardness
1,160 lbf
5.2 kN
Density
640 kg/m³
2.68 lbs/bf
Grain
Straight to slightly interlocked, sometimes wavy; often figured
Texture: Fine to medium
Figure
Curl, ribbon-stripe, fiddleback
Drying
Moderate
Movement: Moderate
Origin
Tasmania and eastern Australia; introduced worldwide
Fabaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Australian Blackwood is the sustainable answer to Koa — anatomically indistinguishable at a glance, mechanically near-identical, and priced significantly lower. Tasmanian-grown wood tends to show the best fiddleback and richest color. If you want the Koa look without the Koa price tag or supply guilt, this is your move.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the silica content — sharpen tools more frequently than you think you need to
- Treating it as an easy substitute without accounting for figured tearout — same discipline as Koa applies
- Overlooking steam bending potential — this wood bends beautifully and is underused for curved work
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Variable golden to reddish brown with contrasting growth ring bands — essentially identical to Koa in appearance. Ribbon-stripe and curly figures are not uncommon.
Workability
Hand Tools
Good
Machine Tools
Good
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Suitable
Carving
Not typically used
Easily worked with hand and machine tools. Figured sections can tearout — use sharp tools and light passes. Has a silica-like quality that dulls edges faster than expected. Turns, glues, stains, and finishes well; responds well to steam bending.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Regional / select dealers |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Moderate
CITES Status
None
Notes
Reported sensitizer. Common reactions include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation; some woodworkers develop asthma-like symptoms with repeated exposure.
Common Uses
Musical instruments Furniture Cabinetry Veneer Gunstocks Turning
Sustainability: Not CITES listed. Not on IUCN Red List. Considered invasive in Africa, South America, southern Asia, and California — in many areas this is a pest tree, making it one of the more ethically straightforward exotic imports.