Scott the guy I bought the bench from got it in Mexico. He goes to Mexico and brings back some unique stuff. He said that a lot of benches in Mexico sit really close to the ground...so he added the railroad tie looking boards to the bottom to make it sit higher. I am not sure about the wood, but it is really heavy and appears very old. I will ask Alberto because he will know. I am trying to purposely buy heavy as hell porch furniture because I hope it might discourage some thieves because of how much work it would be to steal. I may also use some iron anchors. These log chairs a local lady made are also very heavy...and not very expensive.
Mark, when I lived in Oceanside, CA we'd regularly go to Mexico to shop. Especially for home renovations, some of the ceramics and other things were dirt cheap there compared to here in the states.
A contractor buddy bought some hand painted bathroom ceramic sinks. He saved about 600% over the same thing here in the USA.
Not nearly as cool as your bench, but I bet it cost me a lot less. It was in pieces and needed refinishing too. It is good for preaching to the kids too! It is screwed to the floor making it a little more secure.
Since the subject is benches, here are a couple of pics of a bench we have in our 4 seasons room that you guys might enjoy seeing. My wife's BIL made before he passed away. Except for the legs, it is carved from a single teak tree root. I see more critters in it everytime I look at it. The cobra and the owls stick out though. Talk about heavy! You can see a small table he also made in one photo.
Last edited by Bill D.; 06/14/1501:06 PM. Reason: Clarification
My wife's BIL made before he passed away. Except for the legs, it is carved from a single teak tree root. I see more critters in it everytime I look at it. The cobra and the owls stick out though. Talk about heavy! You can see a small table he also made in one photo.
Bill that guy had a special talent. What a family treasure. I love one of a kind stuff like that. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the feedback. I only had opportuniy to know him a short while before he died. He spoke no english but my understanding is he had no training and worked with the most rudimentary tools. With the high silica content of teak, that is no easy task. It amazes me what he could see in a piece of wood and bring to life. I wish I had that talent. What I really like about the bench is he shows owls eyeing a cobra. Dinner? He made many incredible pieces. I wish I had brought back more of his work from Thailand.