Live Edge Hardwood Tables made from Suar wood – grown locally in Indonesia.
Our great selection of rustic natural tables are hand-crafted by the skilled trades-masters of Bali and Java, and are purchased through Direct Trade. Each table is hand-picked by David and entirely unique; it has its own story, quirks, and personality!
The Suar tree, also known as Albizia Saman or Monkeypod, is a large tropical rain tree that can grow up to heights of 25m. These non-endangered and fast-growing tropical hardwood trees are easily recognizable from their umbrella shaped canopy. This type of wood compares favorably to other woods because of its crisscrossed interlocking grain, which makes it resistant to cracking from wood movement. Hence why it is the best known tropical wood for tables. It is highly sought-after for it robustness.
Most of the trees that are used to make our natural edge/live edge tables are wind fall and/or grown on local peoples land as a long term investment for the families. Often when a farmer cuts one of these down it’s to pay for a family expense like education or a health need. Originally native to South America, Suar trees were brought to Indonesia by the Dutch over 300 years ago. They grow well and fast in this climate. In the past we have planted 10 young trees to replace the ones we have taken.
We always look for sustainable sources when it comes to buying our furniture and other items. For example on one of David’s many trips to look at tables, the opportunity arose to go look at a couple of trees in a local cemetery. There were a couple of trees that were so big that they were damaging the existing tombstones. The people living in the area put the money made off the tree sale towards repairing the road to get to the cemetery. Often in Indonesia, local governments/towns are responsible for paying for roads and their repairs; because of this they rely on the local people to pay for and manage the roads which is difficult due to the limited tax pays. We were pleased to be able to contribute.