Reclaimed regional hardwoods

Once Western Mexico’s foothills were thick with a variety of native hardwoods. Both beautiful and resistant to the local climate and insects, these hardwoods were used in the building of structures, from hacindas and ranchos to modest row houses and colonial mansions build for wealthy Mexican and European families.

Amapa, ebano, encino, venadillo, cedro, mora, local mahogany and rosewood once were plentiful regional natural resources. The lack of conservation programs and general consciousness has left these hardwoods endangered, scarce and expensive. Hardwoods available today for construction are also expensive and, by contrast, are likely to be harvested green and are more vulnerable to the forces of moisture in the local climate. Re-cycled hardwoods are of a quality and beauty that simply cannot be bought for love or money today, and strict Federal laws protect the remaining populations of these endangered trees.

In a addition to the regional hardwoods, the booming shipping trade during the late 1800’s brought then plentiful first quality heart redwood from California and British Colombia. Redwood (pino clolorado) was pressed into service in the local building trades as a viable substitute- it was beautiful, easy to work with and most importantly was also resistant to local climate and insects. It sadly too has also suffered from over harvesting in its native territory and is tightly protected by the U.S federal Government.