If you just laminate equal rectangular piece together then cut a taper, you will cut through layers. They show off the layers, sometimes that is cool looking. But mine are tapered before laminating so no layers are exposed. It is a little mind bending, lol. The Acacia is harder and brittle compared to walnut also the color is what I like to call root beer where as walnut is chocolate.
It seems many times that sapwood takes away from the appearance of the heartwood. In this case, it isn't true at all!! The contrast enhances the look. After the legs grab your attention, the top has a flair of it's own.
The top is one piece. The table looks like it might collapse, but it is quite sturdy. The legs make it look like it is standing on it's tiptoes. I remember when I had glued it up and had a moment of panic because I thought I put them in backwards.