Indonesia is a country that has various types of quality wood. That is why native Indonesian wood is not only a raw material for furniture but also an export commodity with high economic value. Apart from teak and mahogany, there are various types of wood that are of high quality and have unique characteristics. One of them is coconut wood which is often used for furniture.
Coconut Wood Furniture: Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages
It turns out that coconut wood furniture material is also a choice because of its quality and strength compared to other types. So, before choosing furniture from coconut wood, let’s find out more about the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of this chosen material.
Characteristics of Coconut Wood
Coconut wood, which is now starting to become popular as a raw material for furniture, has several unique characteristics, namely:
- The size is quite long, ranging from 5 to 30 meters.
- Brownish red in color. The older the coconut wood, the darker the cross-sectional color of the wood will be. 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 old coconut wood.
- The large fiber shape makes the surface of coconut wood have a rough texture. As coconut wood ages, the fibers become larger.
- A coconut tree can produce different qualities of wood. The middle of the tree will produce the best wood which has a very hard texture and a perfectly straight shape. Meanwhile, the edges of coconut trees actually produce wood that is slightly curved, slightly soft in texture, and often still consists of skin.
- The process of selecting coconut wood can be done by tapping it. Quality coconut wood has a very dense texture so the sound is not loud when tapped.
Advantages of Coconut Wood
Some of the advantages of coconut wood that will make you confident in choosing furniture from this material include:
- The price is more affordable compared to first class wood such as teak, bengkirai and ironwood.
- The size is stable and does not bend easily if the finishing process is carried out carefully.
- Resistant to pest and weed attacks, such as termites, powder bugs, mice and fungi.
- The rough coconut wood fibers produce unique motifs with a strong ethnic feel.
- Not easily dented, scratched or damaged by sharp objects (for example nails).
- The treatment process is fairly practical and does not require a lot of money.
- Can be processed into various types of furniture, such as cupboards, dining tables, guest chairs, beds, and others.
- Using coconut wood is environmentally friendly because it is compared to rare types of wood such as ironwood. Coconut trees can not only produce wood but can also produce coconut oil, copra and a number of other derivative products.
Disadvantages of Coconut Wood
Apart from having various advantages, coconut wood for furniture also has several disadvantages as follows:
- Coconut wood has low resistance to water. The texture of coconut wood will easily rot if exposed to water continuously. That is why this type of wood is not suitable as outdoor furniture material.
- The rough texture of coconut wood fibers can produce sharp wood chips that are prone to injuring hands. This deficiency must be overcome through a careful finishing process so that the wood surface is truly smooth.
- The damp condition of coconut wood makes the surface easily warp and change shape and size. Coconut wood furniture that is bouncy and continues to be used will quickly become damaged.
- Coconut trees need lots of water to support their growth. This characteristic makes coconut wood contain a lot of water and must go through a long drying process.
- The processing process is considered very difficult because it requires the right technique to process wood fibers that are rough and contain a lot of water.
- Of course, by knowing more about coconut wood, you can be more careful in choosing furniture made from this basic material. It’s time to create an ethnic atmosphere in your home interior by choosing coconut wood as your mainstay material.
