The Palette of the Forest: A Guide to Our Sustainable Thai Woods
When you browse our collection at Siam Wood Artisans, you aren't just looking at designs; you are looking at a diverse ecosystem.
While reclaimed teak is our signature, the forests and orchards of Thailand offer a rich palette of sustainable timbers. We believe in "listening" to the material—choosing the specific wood that best suits the curve of a bowl or the weight of a tray.
Because we work with small batches and reclaimed sources, our collection is a living mix of textures and tones. Here is a guide to the three primary woods you might find in our workshop, and why we love working with each of them.
1. Reclaimed Teak: The "Forever" Wood
Known For: Durability, history, and water resistance.
We have spoken at length about our love for reclaimed teak. Because it is naturally rich in rubber and oils, teak is virtually immune to rot and moisture.
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The Look: It has a dignified, golden-brown hue that can mellow into a silvery grey over time. The grain is typically tight and straight.
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Why We Use It: We often select teak for items that need to withstand daily life, or for pieces where we want the history of the old wood to shine through.
2. Mango Wood: The Sustainable "Orchard Star"
Known For: Artistic grain patterns and sustainability.
Mango wood is a byproduct of the fruit industry. When these trees stop bearing fruit, they are given a second life by artisans.
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The Look: Mango is the "artist" of the group. It is famous for its wild, kaleidoscope grain patterns—often featuring "spalting" (natural coloring) that ranges from blonde to dark brown, and sometimes even hints of pink or black.
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Why We Use It: We choose Mango wood when we want the wood grain itself to be the decoration. It turns beautifully on a lathe, making it perfect for organic, flowing shapes.
3. Acacia: The Durable Fast-Grower
Known For: Density, hardness, and rich contrast.
Acacia wood is incredibly tough. It is a fast-growing hardwood that thrives in the tropics, making it a responsible, renewable choice.
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The Look: Acacia often features a dramatic "two-tone" look, where the dark heartwood contrasts sharply with the lighter sapwood. It polishes to a high sheen and feels substantial and heavy in the hand.
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Why We Use It: We love Acacia for its strength. It allows us to create pieces that feel grounded and solid, with a visual depth that draws the eye.
The Artisan's Choice
At Siam Wood Artisans, we don't ask you to be the wood expert—that is our job.
Whether we are carving a spirit house or turning a serving vessel, we select the timber that will offer the best strength, weight, and beauty for that specific object. When you explore our shop, you will see this variety on display.
No matter which wood your piece is crafted from, you can be sure of two things: it was shaped by hand, and it was sourced with respect for the Thai forests.