Suar wood: what to know before you buy
Suar is the wood behind our most popular live edge tables. You'll recognize it by its large solid tops, edges that follow the shape of the trunk, and tones ranging from honey to chocolate brown. Here's what to know before choosing yours.
Where does suar wood come from?
“Suar” is the Indonesian name for Samanea saman, also known as the “rain tree”. Native to northern South America, it is now planted throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Thailand, often to shade coffee and cocoa plantations. It grows fast and its trunk reaches a very large diameter, which makes it possible to cut wide tops from a single piece, with no joints.
At Exotik Mobilier, we import our suar directly from Thailand, with no middleman. That's how we can offer solid tops at prices generally lower than the competition.
Why suar is ideal for live edge
- One-piece tops: the trunk is wide enough to cut a whole top from a single piece. We also offer assembled tops made of several solid suar boards, at a more accessible price (see Choosing a live edge table).
- A natural edge: the “live edge” keeps the original shape of the tree. No two tops ever have exactly the same outline.
- A beautiful contrast: the heartwood is dark brown, while the wood near the bark is lighter. This gradient gives each top its character.
- A medium-density solid wood: it works well, sands easily and takes oil very well.
Cracks: a defect? No, proof of real wood
Solid wood “breathes”: it absorbs moisture from the air and releases it. In winter, with the heating on, the air in Quebec homes gets very dry. The wood then loses a little moisture and small cracks can appear, mostly at the ends of the top and around knots.
This is normal and does not weaken your table. Particleboard or veneer furniture doesn't crack… precisely because it isn't solid wood. Each top is prepared at our Montreal warehouse (sanding, finishing, mounting on the legs), and our after-sales team is there if you have questions after your purchase.
How to care for a suar table
- In winter, keep the room's humidity around 35 to 50% (a humidifier helps a lot).
- Keep the table away from direct heat (baseboard heaters, fireplace) and prolonged direct sunlight.
- Wipe up wine, coffee and water quickly, and use coasters and trivets.
- Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth; no oil or wax on a varnished finish.
All our tips are on the Furniture care page.
Our suar wood furniture, in stock in Montreal
Dining tables, live edge slabs to mount on the legs of your choice, benches, consoles, coffee tables and countertops: our suar furniture is in stock at our Montreal warehouse. Your order is usually ready in 3 to 7 business days, a little longer for a table that needs to be mounted or finished.
- Free delivery in Greater Montreal on orders of $799 or more (see details).
- Free pickup at 11 points in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick.
- Pay in instalments with Shop Pay or Afterpay (see the options).
Shop suar wood furniture · Shop live edge slabs
Frequently asked questions
Is suar a hardwood?
It's a medium-density solid wood: sturdy enough for an everyday table, but less dense than teak or rosewood. Trivets and coasters keep it looking good longer.
Is every table different?
Yes. The shape, grain and colour vary from one top to another. Our advisors can show you the tops available at the warehouse.
Can suar furniture go outdoors?
No, our suar furniture is made for indoor use.