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Why You Need Suar Wood Furniture In Your Home

Why You Need Suar Wood Furniture In Your Home

Suar wood is a type of hardwood that is prized for its beauty and durability. 

The wood is sourced from the Suar tree (Albizia Saman), which is known for its size and a luscious canopy. There are several different varieties of Albizia Saman, depending on where it is grown. Suar wood is sourced from trees in Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia.

Suar wood has become increasingly popular in recent years for use in furniture and interior design, particularly for its unique live edge characteristics.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics and sustainability of Suar wood, and how it is used in crafting live edge furniture. We will also provide tips and ideas for incorporating live edge Suar wood furniture into your home decor.

Suar wood origin

Suar wood comes from a tree by the Latin name of Albizia saman, also known as the Samanea saman

The tree is known for its rapid growth and can reach heights of up to 80 feet. These trees are typically found in tropical climates, such as Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. They are valued for their hardwood and shade-providing canopies.

The Albizia saman is commonly referred to as a “rain tree” and can be found in many different regions of the world. Some of the different names for this tree include Monkeypod, South American Walnut, and Suar tree.

Although all of these different names represent the same species, there can be some variations in the characteristics of the wood depending on the region in which it is grown. We will discuss these differences in a later section of this article.

Characteristics of Suar wood

Physical properties

Suar wood is relatively heavy and dense, which comes with a number of benefits for home furniture. 

The heavy weight of the wood means it is less likely to be moved or knocked over, making it a stable and sturdy option for tables and desks. 

The density of the wood also means it can support a lot of weight, meaning it is a great choice for larger pieces of furniture like dining tables or conference tables.

Suar wood also has a beautiful color and grain, ranging from light yellow to dark brown.

One of the most striking characteristics of Suar wood is its unique criss-cross grain pattern. The pattern is formed by the tree’s natural growth habits and varies from tree to tree. 

This makes each piece of Suar wood furniture truly one-of-a-kind.

Durability and resistance

Suar wood is known for its durability and resistance to rot and decay, as well as its resistance to insects and pests such as termites. These characteristics are essential for furniture wood as they ensure that the piece will last for many years to come and will not be easily damaged.

When it comes to rot and decay, Suar wood’s natural resistance means that it will not break down as easily as other types of wood. This makes it a great option for outdoor furniture, as well as for indoor pieces that may be exposed to moisture. 

Additionally, Suar wood’s resistance to insects and pests such as termites means that it will not be easily damaged by these common wood-destroying organisms.

The benefits of these characteristics are clear: 

  • Furniture made from Suar wood will last longer, be more resistant to damage, and require less maintenance over time. 
  • This can save you money in the long run, as you will not need to replace your furniture as often. 
  • Furthermore, having a piece of furniture that is resistant to rot and decay and insects and pests means that it will be safer to use and will not pose any health hazards.

Harvesting and sourcing practices

The sustainability of Suar wood is a concern for many buyers, and for good reason. While the tree can grow to be quite large, the wood is often harvested from younger trees, which can have a negative impact on forest ecosystems.

To ensure that the Suar wood you purchase is from a responsibly managed and certified source, it is important to look for wood providers that have some type of certification, such as the SVLK certification or the FSC certification. 

These certifications are a way of ensuring that the wood has been harvested in a responsible and sustainable manner and that the forest ecosystem has not been negatively impacted.

The SVLK certification, which stands for the Indonesian Timber Legality Verification System, is a certification program that verifies the legality of wood and wood products from Indonesia. It ensures that the wood has been harvested following Indonesian law and that the forest has been managed sustainably.

The FSC certification is established by the Forest Stewardship Council, a global organization that promotes responsible forest management. FSC certified wood comes from responsibly managed forests, and the certification process includes rigorous inspections and monitoring to ensure that the forest is being managed sustainably.

Indonesians take a lot of pride in their rainforests and, typically, they harvest only fallen trees or trees that are nearing the end of their growing cycle. 

By choosing Suar wood from a responsibly managed and certified source, you can feel confident that your purchase is helping to support the long-term health of the forest.   

Comparison with other wood types

Suar wood vs Monkeypod

Suar wood and Monkeypod both come from the same species, Albizia saman, which is also known as Samanea saman

However, the two types of wood have some distinct differences. Suar wood is harvested in Indonesia, while Monkeypod is sourced from South America. 

Despite being from the same species, the geographical differences have led to variations in the wood’s characteristics.

In terms of aesthetics, Suar wood has a finer grain pattern, which gives it a more distinguished appearance than Monkeypod. The criss-cross pattern of Suar wood adds to its beauty and makes every piece of furniture unique.

Suar wood is also more heavy and dense compared to Monkeypod, making it more durable. As a result, Suar wood is an ideal choice for furniture that will be used frequently around the house.

Finally, as mentioned above, the Indonesians place a strong emphasis on sustainable harvesting practices. 

In contrast, the harvesting practices for Monkeypod are not as well regulated and may have a negative impact on forest ecosystems in South America.

Suar wood vs American Black Walnut

The first difference between Suar wood and American Black Walnut is size. 

Suar trees grow much larger than the American Walnut, which can mean a lot more wood can be harvested from one tree. 

This not only provides more opportunities for creating furniture, but it also allows for more sustainable harvesting practices. 

When a larger tree is harvested, the impact on the environment is lessened, and the tree is able to be replanted, ensuring the health and longevity of the forest.

In terms of aesthetics, Suar wood has a distinct charm that sets it apart from American Black Walnut. Its grain pattern is different for every tree, giving it an exotic look that adds character to any piece of furniture. 

American Black Walnut, on the other hand, has a uniform and smooth grain pattern that is more understated. 

Another difference between Suar wood and American Black Walnut is their availability. 

Suar wood is considered to be more exotic because it comes from Indonesia, while American Black Walnut can be found almost anywhere in the United States. 

For those who value uniqueness and rarity, Suar wood may be the better choice.

Suar wood vs Teak wood

Suar wood and Teak are both highly sought-after materials for crafting furniture. 

However, there are some key differences between the two materials that are worth exploring.

Both Suar wood and Teak are beautiful in their own right. 

We’ve already described Suar wood’s distinctive grain pattern in detail. 

Teak is known for its warm golden-brown color that deepens with age, making it an attractive choice for furniture. 

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, but both woods are equally beautiful.

Both Suar Wood and Teak are known for their durability, which is a critical factor in choosing furniture material. 

As explained above, Suar is a dense and heavy wood, making it resistant to rot, decay, insects, and pests. 

Teak is highly valued for its water-resistant properties and similar durability and it is often used for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

In terms of price, Suar wood is generally less expensive than Teak, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget. 

However, the cost of Suar wood can vary depending on the size of the tree and the quality of the wood.

Conclusion

Suar wood is a beautiful and durable type of hardwood that is well-suited for live edge furniture. 

It is important to ensure that the Suar wood you purchase is from a responsibly managed and certified source. 

Suar wood’s live edge characteristics make it a unique and eye-catching addition to any interior design, and it can be used in many different furniture pieces, from coffee tables to desks to bookshelves to bedroom furniture. 

By being careful from whom you buy, Suar wood can be a sustainable choice for those interested in buying live edge furniture.

Contact us at Bali Teak to learn more about how to get a Suar wood slab for your next live edge piece of furniture.

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