Also known locally as Acacia wood or the RainTree, Monkey Pod wood is thought to be named after the monkeys that used to gather below its canopy and eat the seed pods of the tree. The tree is fast growing, about 1.5m a year up to about 24m tall and has a canopy which normally reaches 30m but can grow as large as 60m. Because the Monkey Pod tree grows so quickly it makes it a very sustainable hardwood and is perfect for furniture manufacturers. The straight grain and coarse texture allows it to be relatively easily carved into interesting shapes. The trees were originally planted to offer shade for crops from the hot tropical sun.

Our Monkey Pod furniture is hand carved in Thailand predominantly by small family units. The skills of carving and woodwork are passed down through generations and small family units generally work together, specialising in one or two designs only. To protect from wood movement, the timber must be seasoned after harvest, carved and then seasoned further. From start to finish, the construction process including drying can take up to four months. Once complete, the furniture is hand waxed to bring out the natural lustre and highlight the interesting grain and colours of the timber, before being packed ready for shipping.

What are the variations of Monkey Pod wood?

Every piece is hand carved from an entirely natural product, no two pieces will ever be the same unlike mass produced veneered or laminated furniture. By way of example, some variations which you may see are detailed below and there are considered part of the uniqueness and charm of the furniture.

Differences in wood grain appearance - this is the natural effect created during the maturing process. As the tree grows, the older sections develop thicker, clearer grain patterns. Your piece of furniture may display a contrast of these markings.

Natural pigmentation - common to most timbers, sapwood and random pigmentations can occur. These can sometimes appear as blue-black marks and are perfectly natural.

Presence of sapwood - common to most timbers, sapwood and random pigmentation are markings in real wood

Knotting - this is considered the fingerprint of natural wood. These vary in size and occur frequently in natural wood products.

Pin markings are also a distinguishing feature of handmade wood carving. These will be appeared irregularly wherever the craftsman required additional bonding and support.

Fillers - some products may contain wood fillers where minor natural cracks have occurred during the wood seasoning process.