What is Cantera?

We have all heard obout cantera but what is it and why is it popular in deigning fountains, mantles, and wonderful architectural features.

First of all cantera is a sedementary stone that was formed from volanic ash and most of it is found in Southern Mexico. It comes in many different colors and shades and it won't crack or expand due to its physical properties.

It is easy to work with as it is light weight and can be carved into wonderful designs. Here are some examples of fountains and mantles.

Exotic Woods

Here is a list of some of the rare and exotic woods found in Mexico and South American. I hope someday to find the names in English but I doubt that they exist - our only hope is to use the latin names. Roja blanca y negra, parota, caoba chapaneca, encino, sabino, tajibo, lapacho, flor amarillo, pashaco, copal, ojoso colorado, gumuchil and the list goes on!!

These woods have beautiful grains and colors that blend beautifully to create art in wood.

The Story of a Tree

This tree survived a fire in the forests in Mexico high up in the Sierras. It was lovingly cut and stripped of its burned exterior, cut into lumber and tranformed into this handsome armoire.

It now resides happily with a family in the lakes in Northern Ontario, Canada.

The Story of a Tree

This tree was in a forest fire but survived as it is a very hard wood. the photos will tell the story. It was carefully stripped of the outer layer and then cut into rounds and boards and finally made into a handsome piece of furniture.

Panchito Chairs

There are many different woods that are used by furniture makers in Mexico besides Mesquite.