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No one really gets tired of having America birch, walnut or oak woods in their wood furniture. They’re beautiful, heavy and quite robust to last their owners more than a lifetime. But it’s interesting to know that there are other wood species used for equally great furniture. Most have exotic names from the rainforests of India, Europe, Southeast Asia and South America. Well, just abut every country on earth has its preferred species of wood that is uniquely indigenous to it and is just as good as any we know. Exotic hardwood species from Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, have found their way in many ornamental garden furniture. Two of this popular kind is referred to as “Rustic” or “root” outdoor furniture, the Kamagong and the Narra. The Kamagong (Diospyros Ebenaceae) is an extremely hard hardwood found only in the Philippines. It is said to be nearly indestructible. Ancient Philippine history chronicles it as being used for making hunting and martial weapons such as spears, sword and knife handles. Its grain is grayish and dark with brown streaks with really black heartwood. The Kamagong is increasingly getting rare, and in its pure black form, is one of the few rarest hardwoods in the world. Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) the national tree of the Philippines. It is a tropical hardwood whose beautiful deep red wood grain finish, hardness and tolerance to weather elements have made it not only a favorite furniture wood in the Philippines and exported overseas but is ranked as one of the sturdiest hardwood material for large and outdoor furniture in the world. The interlocked wavy grain which provides a rich spectrum of red and yellow never fails to make it in high end furniture, wall panels and flooring. Its smooth surface takes a fine shine with polishing to give Narra floors their exquisite look and feel. Its high resistance to termites and wood borers combine to make Narra a valued construction and furniture wood. And the Narra root furniture is one outdoor brute that is both functional and beautiful. As wood material for outdoor furniture, both Narra and Kamagong furniture are imported and priced as among the most expensive furniture you can find. Used as root furniture, this wood provides a spectacular blend of durability, function and the artistic aesthetics of the natural wood root formation. They are not curved but are preserved tree roots that have been cut to act as furniture table stands or benches. Difficult to find but a real treasure to own, Narra and Kamagong furniture make an excellent addition to any fine home. | 
