What the heck is Acacia Walnut?
I’m in the process of buying wood flooring. I notice a lot of vendors use different, often contradictory, names for the same species of wood. A couple of retailers are selling something they call "Acacia Walnut" or "Asian Walnut." The origin of the wood seems to be southeast Asia. Do you have any idea what species they might be referencing?

http://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Handscraped-Prefinished-Hardwood-Flooring/dp/B001IN5SQE
http://www.globalbms.com/index.php/featured/natural-acacia-walnut-3-5-plank.html
Which species of Acacia is the "Asian Walnut" or "Acacia Walnut?" The different species have varying degrees of density.
I have resolved this question. An informed salesman told me that the company sells acacia robinia (small leaf acacia) and acacia mangium (large leaf). Acacia robinia is the harder of the two with a janka score of about 2300.

By Kristin C on Jul 24, 2010

Your question is also the answer. When wood is distributed to retailers, it is designated by species and by geographic origin (i.e. Honduras Mahogany, or Western Red Cedar).
Walnut is usually very expensive and also not very uniform in color or grain patterns. Therefore it would produce a dramatic floor. You have to decide if you want the floor to be a design feature, or if you want it to be uniform (typical) so that your other accessories and decor elements will draw the attention of your visitors.
References :
http://www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com

By Charles on Jul 24, 2010

If the origin of the wood is SE Asia…..it’s rain forest timber. I’m not a "greenie" or anything……but I discovered the 3/4 cabinet grade I buy in NOLA…..is from Malaysia. The grains are beautiful and the product is carefully milled………then they put it on a big boat and travel half the globe to sell it to Americans.
References :
32+ year carpenter

By Rondi on Jul 24, 2010