Discovering the Essence: The Most Important Types of Wood in Indonesian Furniture
When you think of Indonesian furniture, you likely picture clean lines, organic shapes, and the unmistakable warmth of natural materials. But what truly defines the soul of these handcrafted pieces is the wood itself. Each type of wood used in Indonesian furniture brings its own story—of resilience, beauty, and sustainability. Let’s explore the most important types of wood that shape the aesthetic and character of Indonesia’s artisanal furniture.
Teak (Tectona grandis)
The timeless classic
Teak is celebrated for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to water, termites, and decay. With a dense grain and high oil content, it's perfectly suited for both indoor and outdoor furniture.
Its warm golden-brown hues and fine, straight grain lend an effortless elegance. Over time, weathered teak develops a silver-grey patina that many find equally charming.
Indonesian teak is primarily sourced from government-regulated plantations certified by Perum Perhutani, ensuring responsible forestry and local economic support. Choosing certified teak helps preserve forests while sustaining the tradition of skilled craftsmanship.
Mahogany (Swietenia spp.)
Elegance with a heritage feel
Mahogany is a favorite for its strength, workability, and stability. It lends itself to intricate carvings and is often used in more traditional or formal furniture styles.
Its rich, reddish-brown tones deepen with age, and the fine, even grain gives each piece a refined, polished look.
Indonesian mahogany is increasingly plantation-grown, though responsible sourcing is essential due to historical overharvesting. Certified options support sustainability without sacrificing quality.
Suar Wood (Albizia saman)
The sculptural showstopper
Suar is the go-to wood for statement pieces. Known for its strength and natural flexibility, it’s often used for large dining tables or benches with dramatic live edges.
No two suar pieces are alike. The stunning contrast between creamy sapwood and deep brown heartwood creates organic, flowing visuals that feel both earthy and artistic.
As a fast-growing species, suar is considered a more sustainable alternative to slower-growing hardwoods. It's typically sourced locally, reducing transportation emissions and supporting regional economies.
Rattan (Calamus spp.)
Nature’s woven elegance
Though not technically wood, rattan plays a vital role in Indonesian furniture design. This climbing palm is prized for its strength, light weight, and remarkable flexibility.
Naturally beige to golden in color, rattan adds a soft, tactile contrast to solid wood elements. It’s often used for chair backs, baskets, or entire lounge sets—especially in Boho, tropical, or coastal interiors.
Rattan grows rapidly under forest canopies, making it one of the most eco-friendly materials in the world. Its harvest even helps protect rainforests by offering local communities a renewable income source without clearing land.
Sungkai (Peronema canescens)
The minimalist’s choice
Sungkai has gained popularity for its lightness, both in tone and weight. It’s a hardwood that offers enough strength for daily use, while its soft color palette makes it ideal for bright, modern interiors.
Typically pale yellow to light brown with a fine, straight grain, sungkai is a favorite for Scandinavian, Japandi, and minimalist designs. It takes finishes well but is often left natural to highlight its quiet elegance.
Cultivated widely in Sumatra and Java, sungkai grows relatively fast and is commonly sourced from plantations—making it a sustainable and stylish option.
Mindi Wood (Melia azedarach)
The quiet all-rounder
Mindi is another versatile choice for furniture makers. It's moderately dense, easy to work with, and holds stains and finishes exceptionally well.
Its color ranges from pale to medium brown, often mimicking more expensive hardwoods at a lower cost. With its subtle texture, it works beautifully in both rustic and contemporary settings.
Because it's plantation-grown and matures relatively quickly, mindi offers an affordable and environmentally friendly option for conscious consumers.
Conclusion: More than Just Materials
The wood used in Indonesian furniture isn’t just about structure—it’s about philosophy. Whether it’s the enduring luxury of teak, the dramatic presence of suar, or the soft minimalism of sungkai, each material carries with it a story of nature, culture, and craftsmanship.
At Nu.Liv, we embrace this philosophy wholeheartedly. By sourcing responsibly, honoring traditional techniques, and celebrating natural beauty, we create pieces that are meant to last—both in form and in feeling.