Mountain Gate Woodworks specializes in crafting furniture, particularly tables, predominantly using Albizia Saman wood. Albizia Saman is sourced from regions like Southern Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. While its origins trace back to Southern Mexico and Guatemala, this tree has been introduced to various suitable climates around the world. Though not found in the natural rainforest, these trees are commonly planted in parks and open spaces due to their expansive, shade-providing branches. With broad crowns, they offer shelter from the tropical sun and serve as windbreaks, complemented by their attractive pink ornamental flowers.

Albizia Saman wood holds significant value for crafting furniture, including cabinets, decorative veneers, and various handicrafts. It boasts a captivating contrast between its chocolate heartwood and yellow sapwood. This lightweight wood, characterized by a specific gravity of 0.48, is both sturdy and easy to work with, ensuring a commendable finish. Notably, its minimal shrinkage prevents warping during the drying process.

In addition to Albizia Saman, Mountain Gate Woodworks offers sustainably sourced rosewood and teak consoles and coffee tables, albeit in limited quantities. These distinctive pieces are crafted from the root system of the tree rather than the trunk.

Our tree slab tables are sourced from Northern Thailand, where the trees are cut into slabs at the same design firm responsible for producing the final furniture pieces. This firm is conveniently located just west of Chiang Mai, ensuring a seamless process from sourcing to manufacturing.

The tree is identified by multiple names. Its botanical name is Albizia saman, also referred to as Samanea saman. Different regions have their own names:

• Indonesia: Suar
• English: Raintree or monkey pod
• In Thailand, it's often called ‘acacia’ in English and ‘Cham Cha’ in Thai.

Certainly, we have always been diligent in providing evidence that each imported table adheres to sustainable production practices. We maintain a reliable partnership with a supplier known for well-organized administration. This supplier ensures transparency regarding the tree's origin, responsible felling practices, licensing, and transportation details. Our commitment lies in exclusively working with legally acquired timber, harvested sustainably. Although we lack current FSC certification, it remains a goal for us as we continue to expand.

Established in 1993, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) operates independently as a not-for-profit organization. It aims to promote environmentally and socially responsible forestry management approaches. While FSC certification signifies adherence to its standards, obtaining and maintaining this certification can be financially demanding, often limiting its accessibility to small and medium enterprises. However, as Mountain Gate Woodworks grows, we plan to pursue sustainability certification, reflecting our dedication to responsible forestry practices.

Albizia Saman isn't classified as a protected species by the Thai Forest Department. Rather, it coexists with indigenous trees such as teak and palissander, with responsible harvesting practices ensuring biodiversity preservation. The fast growth rate of Albizia Saman makes it an ideal resource for manufacturing. As of 2024, we will contribute a portion of our profits to FORRU-CMU, an organization focused on tree planting in national parks, further reinforcing our commitment to ecological balance.

Diverse environmental conditions influence the coloration of table tops. Trees growing near natural water sources typically develop lighter shades, while those in mountainous regions tend to have darker hues.

The light-colored edge, known as sapwood, forms the tree's younger, outermost layer. In living trees, sapwood conducts water from roots to leaves, storing moisture and nutrients. Over time, the vessels in sapwood lose function and are replaced by new sapwood. Initial wood formation occurs as sapwood. Longhorn beetles often leave marks in sapwood, evident as holes on table sides. These markings add character and connect guests with the table's natural origin.

Careful drying is crucial, especially for pieces destined for dry climates. Initial drying occurs in Thailand under minimal shade, followed by enclosure beneath a roof for several weeks. Stable-temperature drying ovens ensure thorough drying, ranging from three weeks to three months, depending on piece size. Upon reaching a certain dryness level, we import the table tops, allowing them to further acclimate in our Denver warehouse. While we cannot guarantee zero cracks, proper indoor storage and maintenance reduce the likelihood of changes. Butterfly joints in the furniture offer additional crack prevention.

One end's wider aspect relates to the tree's root system extending beneath it. In contrast, the other end accommodates branch growth. Often, a few end slices are cut where branches start, forming unique coffee tables.

Our skilled artisans operate in a spacious Thai workshop. They meticulously polish the wood, safeguarding it against cracking. Table legs are carefully milled to eliminate sharp edges. For a durable, heat-resistant, and beautifully grained finish, we employ a wax-based Tung oil.

Wooden products are shipped in a 40-foot container from Chiang Mai through Bangkok, Thailand, Los Angeles, California, and finally Denver, Colorado. FullTrans Global, our transport partner, ensures secure container delivery to Colorado. Unloading transpires at our Office Foundations-managed warehouse. Each piece is examined, moved, and securely stored. We manage deliveries in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska through Office Foundations, which provides attentive white glove service. For other U.S. shipments, we collaborate with FedEx, UPS, and third-party manufacturers when necessary, often employing professional movers for intricate deliveries.