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Which wood to choose? A guide to our solid woods
Suar, rosewood, teak, acacia, mango or reclaimed wood: at Exotik Mobilier, all our furniture is solid wood, imported directly from India, Indonesia and Thailand with no middleman. Each wood has its own character, and every piece is different: grain and colour vary from one piece to the next. Here is what sets our woods apart, to help you choose.
Our woods and where they come from
| Wood | Origin | Our furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Suar | Thailand | Shop now |
| Rosewood (sheesham) | India | Shop now |
| Teak | India (furniture) and Indonesia (teak root) | Shop now |
| Acacia | India | Shop now |
| Mango wood | India | Shop now |
| Reclaimed wood | India | Shop now |
Suar: our live edge signature
Suar, or “rain tree”, has a very wide trunk, so large one-piece tops with a natural edge can be cut from it. Tones vary a lot from one top to another, from honey to brown; some show strong contrast between the heart and the edge, others are more even. Ours comes from Thailand. It is a medium-density solid wood, and most of our suar furniture is varnished.
Shop suar furniture · All about suar wood
Rosewood (sheesham): a hard, dense wood
Our rosewood is sheesham, also called Indian rosewood. It is a hard, dense wood that suits everyday furniture. Its grain is often contrasted, but it varies with each piece and finish. Depending on the model, it comes in a natural, olive or Stone sheesham finish (light and washed).
Teak: a sturdy wood, from furniture to sculpture
Teak is a naturally oily wood known for its sturdiness. Our teak furniture comes from India. Our teak root pieces come from Indonesia: their shape follows the root, and no two pieces are alike.
Acacia: a hard wood with warm tones
Acacia is a hard wood. Several of our acacia pieces have a live edge that keeps the natural curve of the tree. Depending on the model, it comes in a natural or stained finish.
Mango wood: a wood that takes any colour
Mango wood has a fine grain and takes stains and paint well. That is why you will find it in many colours, natural, stained or painted, and often paired with metal.
Reclaimed wood: colour and character
Our reclaimed wood furniture is made from salvaged boards, often painted in several colours. Paint chips, marks and small differences from one board to the next are part of the charm: no two pieces are identical.
Good to know, whatever the wood
- Cracks and knots: solid wood reacts to humidity. Small cracks can appear in winter; they are the mark of real wood, not a defect.
- Colour: every piece is different. Grain and tones vary from one piece to another, even within the same model.
- Care: it depends on your furniture's finish (varnished, oiled or painted). All our tips are on the Furniture care page.
- In stock in Montreal: come see the woods in person at our warehouse at 8785 Park Avenue and compare colours side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Which wood is the most durable?
Rosewood and acacia are hard woods that stand up well to everyday knocks. Teak is known for its sturdiness. Suar, a medium-density wood, is still solid for an everyday table if you use trivets and coasters.
What is the difference between rosewood and sheesham?
None at our store: our rosewood is sheesham, the rosewood species that grows in India.
Can I mix woods?
Yes. A suar table with an acacia bench or a mango wood sideboard works very well, especially with black metal legs to tie them together. The easiest way is to compare tones at the warehouse.