Indonesia has various types of quality wood. That is why the Indonesia wood is not only for furniture material but also an export commodity with high economic value. Apart from teak and mahogany, there are various types of wood with unique qualities and characteristics. One of them is coconut wood which is often used for furniture.

Furniture items from coconut wood are the choice because of their quality and strength compared to other types. But before you choose the coconut wood furniture, find out more about the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of this material of choice.

Here are some of unique characteristics of coconut wood:

• The size is long, ranging from 5 to 30 meters.
• Red-brown in color. The older of coconut wood, the darker color of the wood cross-section. On the other hand, young coconut wood is usually light brown or yellowish brown. The strength level of young coconut wood is not as good as the old one.
• The large fiber shape makes the coconut wood surface rough textured. As coconut wood ages, the shape of the fiber will get bigger.
• A coconut tree can produce different qualities of wood. The center of the tree will produce the best wood which has hard texture and perfectly straight shape. Meanwhile, the edge of a coconut tree actually produces slightly curved wood, has soft texture, and still consists of skin.
• The process of selecting coconut wood is by tapping it. Quality coconut wood has a very dense texture so it doesn’t sound loud when you tap it.

The Advantages of Coconut Wood
Some of advantages of coconut wood that will make you sure to choose this furniture material are:

• The price is more affordable than first-class wood like teak, bengkirai, and ironwood.
• The size is stable and does not bend easily if the finishing has processed carefully.
• Resistant to pests and weeds, such as termites, powdery mildew, rats, and fungi.
• Coarse coconut wood fibers produce unique and thick motifs with ethnic nuances.
• Not easily dented, scratched, or damaged by sharp objects (eg nails).
• The treatment process is fairly practical and does not require a lot of money.
• It can processed into various types of furniture, such as cabinets, dining tables, guest chairs, beds, and others.
• The coconut wood is environmentally friendly compared to rare types of wood like ironwood. Coconut trees can not only produce wood but can also produce coconut oil, copra and a number of other derivative products.

–sh