The Woods We Use — Solid hardwoods including Suar/Monkeypod, Mindi, Teak, and Mahogany. Timeless craftsmanship made to endure.
The Woods We Use — Solid hardwoods including Suar/Monkeypod, Mindi, Teak, and Mahogany. Timeless craftsmanship made to endure.

A Clear Guide to Suar, Mindi, Teak & Related Species

At Destino Trading we work exclusively with solid hardwood. This guide explains the primary woods in our collection and clears up the common confusion surrounding Suar wood (also sold as Monkeypod, Rain Tree, & other names). 

Suar Wood — The One People Get Confused About 

Suar is the Indonesian and Southeast Asian trade name for the wood of the Rain Tree. It is the same species sold under several other common names. Understanding this prevents confusion when comparing furniture from different makers or regions. 

Scientific Identity 

Botanical name: Samanea saman (synonyms include Albizia saman and Pithecellobium saman). 

Native to Central and South America; widely planted and naturalized across the tropics, including Indonesia, where most commercial furniture-grade material originates. 

Common Names by Region 

  • Suar / Suar wood — Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore (the name we use) 

  • Monkeypod / Monkey Pod — Hawaii and much of the U.S. trade 

  • Rain Tree / Raintree — widely used English name 

  • Trembesi — Indonesia 

  • Saman — Latin America and scientific literature 

  • Also: Five o’clock tree, Cow Tamarind, East Indian Walnut (regional) 

These are not different woods. They are different trade or regional names for the same species. 

Solid Suar (Monkeypod) live-edge slab showing dramatic interlocked grain, rich golden-to-chocolate heartwood, and contrasting lighter sapwood. This is the same species sold under the names Monkeypod, Rain Tree, and Trembesi.

Key Characteristics 

  • Janka hardness: approximately 850–900 lbf 

  • Density: roughly 600 kg/m³ (medium-density hardwood) 

  • Color: golden to dark chocolate-brown heartwood with contrasting lighter sapwood 

  • Grain: often interlocked or wavy; dramatic figure on live-edge slabs 

  • Large trunk diameters allow wide, single-slab tabletops 

  • Best used indoors or covered outdoor; requires proper kiln-drying for stability 

Suar vs Parota (Guanacaste) — Important Distinction 

Parota is frequently confused with Suar/Monkeypod because both produce large, dramatic live-edge slabs with light/dark contrast. They are related (both legume-family trees) but they are not the same species. 

Parota / Guanacaste = Enterolobium cyclocarpum 

Native primarily to Mexico and Central America. Often marketed in North America for oversized dining and conference tables. Slightly different density, grain character, and regional availability from Suar. 

At Destino Trading, the live-edge pieces we describe as Suar are Samanea saman (the Indonesian/Southeast Asian material). When we work with Mexican material of the Parota type, we identify it accordingly. Clear naming protects both the customer and the integrity of the piece. 

Our Other Primary Woods 

Close-up of Mindi wood (also known as Chinaberry or White Cedar). Clean, fine-to-medium grain with warm golden to honey tones and excellent dimensional stability — ideal for shelving and cabinetry.

Mindi (Melia azedarach) 

Also called Chinaberry or White Cedar in furniture trade. Medium-density tropical hardwood with fine-to-medium grain and warm golden to honey tones. Excellent dimensional stability when kiln-dried. Janka ~990–1,055 lbf (comparable to red oak). Ideal for clean architectural pieces such as bookshelves and cabinetry. 

Premium Teak wood with its characteristic golden-brown color and natural oily sheen. Outstanding durability and weather resistance make it excellent for outdoor and high-wear applications.

Teak (Tectona grandis) 

The classic premium hardwood. High natural oil content, outstanding durability and weather resistance. Janka ~1,000–1,155 lbf. We use it selectively when a design specifically benefits from its properties.

Mahogany 

Rich reddish-brown tones and elegant grain. Traditional choice for refined indoor furniture. Used thoughtfully for pieces that call for classic depth and warmth. 

Wood Janka (approx) Stability Character Best For Price Tier
Mindi (ours) 990–1,055 Excellent Clean, light, oak-like Shelving, cabinets Mid
Suar / Monkeypod (ours) 850–900 Good* Dramatic live-edge Statement tables Mid–Premium
Teak 1,000–1,155 Outstanding Golden, oily Outdoor / high-wear Premium
Mahogany ~800–900 Very good Rich reddish-brown Classic indoor Premium
Red / White Oak 1,200–1,360 Good Open grain, classic Everyday solid wood Mid–Premium
Acacia 1,700+ Good Bold, often rustic Modern solid sets Mid
Rubberwood ~800–900 Moderate Uniform, pale Mass-market Budget–Mid
Parota (distinct species) Lower density Moderate Large slabs, contrast Oversized tables Mid–Premium

*Suar / Monkeypod stability depends heavily on proper kiln-drying. Poorly dried material is prone to movement.

Side-by-side comparison of the three primary woods used by Destino Trading: Suar/Monkeypod (dark & bold grain), Mindi (light & refined), and Teak (warm & durable). Accurate naming ensures you know exactly what solid hardwood you are purchasing.

Why Clear Naming Matters 

Furniture buyers often encounter the same physical wood under different labels depending on the country of the seller or the marketing preference of the brand. Suar, Monkeypod, and Rain Tree are the same species. Parota is a different (though related) species frequently used for similar live-edge applications. 

We name our woods accurately so you know exactly what you are purchasing. Solid exotic hardwood, correctly identified and properly dried, is the foundation of every Destino piece. 

Questions about a specific piece or wood species? Contact us at Contact@DestinoTrading.com or (435) 659-4539.