At Espace Meuble, suar is the wood we use for our live edge tables. Large solid tops, a natural edge that keeps the shape of the trunk, colours from light honey to dark brown: here's what to know before you choose yours.
A large, fast-growing tree
Suar (Samanea saman), also called saman or “rain tree”, is native to Central and South America. Today it grows throughout Southeast Asia, often planted to shade coffee and cocoa plantations. It grows quickly and its trunk becomes very wide, which means we can cut one-piece tabletops from it.
We bring in our suar directly from Thailand, with no middleman. That's how we can usually offer it for less than elsewhere.
Why it suits live edge so well
- A single-piece top. The trunk is wide enough for a whole top, with no joint. We also offer tops made from a few boards of solid suar, at a lower price.
- A natural edge. The “live edge” follows the outline of the tree: no two tops ever have the same shape.
- A beautiful contrast. The heart of the wood is dark brown and the part near the bark is lighter. This gradient gives each table its character.
- An easy wood to live with. A medium-density wood, it's easy to sand, touch up and repair.
Cracks: the signature of real wood
Solid wood reacts to the humidity in your home. In winter, heating dries the air: the wood loses a little moisture and fine cracks can appear, mostly at the ends of the top and around knots. This is normal and does not weaken your table. Veneer or particleboard furniture does not crack… because it is not solid wood.
Worried about a crack? Send us a photo or drop by: our after-sales team is here to help.
A few simple habits for your table
- In winter, keep the room's humidity between 35 and 50%. A humidifier helps a lot.
- Keep the table away from baseboard heaters, the fireplace and prolonged direct sunlight.
- Use coasters and trivets, and wipe up wine, coffee and water quickly.
- Clean with a soft, barely damp cloth. On a varnished finish: no oil and no wax.
Find all our tips on our Furniture care tips page.
See suar up close in Laval
The grain and colours of suar are best seen in person. A few suar pieces are on display at our store at 2200 Le Corbusier Blvd., Laval. Our live edge tops are shown in photos on our website: our team can help you choose yours, in store or by phone. We serve Laval, the North Shore and the Laurentians.
- Free delivery within 40 km of Laval on orders of $799 or more (see details).
- Free in-store pickup.
- Pay in instalments at checkout (see the options).
Shop suar wood furniture · Shop live edge slabs · Choosing a live edge table
Frequently asked questions
Is suar a hardwood?
It is a medium-density solid wood: strong enough for everyday use, but less dense than teak. Trivets and coasters keep it looking good longer.
Is every table different?
Yes. The shape, grain and colour change from one top to the next. That is the charm of live edge. Our team is happy to answer your questions in store or by phone.
Can suar furniture go outdoors?
No. Our suar furniture is made for indoor use.