When it comes to luxury, style, and practicality in the world of office and home furniture, cocobolo significantly takes the limelight. There has never been more interest in cocobolo worldwide, thanks to the conspicuous appearance of a cocobolo desk on the popular TV series Better Call Saul and the ordering of one by Jimmy McGill in the now iconic Breaking Bad series. Cocobolo desks tick all of the boxes for luxury, style, and practicality in the world of office and home furniture. There has never been more interest in cocobolo worldwide. This is partly thanks to the conspicuous appearance of a cocobolo desk on the popular TV series Better Call Saul and the ordering of one by Jimmy McGill in the now iconic Breaking Bad series.
As well as being incredibly practical, they are unique and have a long history behind them. The wood for a cocobolo desk comes from Central America. These beautiful desks almost always have gorgeous patterns in their grain. Not only that, but they have rich hues. Whatever the setting, they are sure to add elegance.
Let us now take a further look at the ideology of cocobolo desk, including the roots and the iconic history. We’ll examine what makes cocobolo desks surpass typical furniture. The skill involved in crafting these beautiful items is remarkable. We’ll also discuss how effortlessly cocobolo desks blend with any decor theme.
Why are cocobolo desks better choices? Their superiority over other furnishings will be explored. You’ll understand the intricate techniques used to produce such gorgeous pieces.
What is Cocobolo Desk and the Origin of Cocobolo Wood?
The exotic cocobolo wood from Central America is used to make the highly sought-after cocobolo desks. The prestige attached to the desk is why the cocobolo desk in Breaking Bad came about – it really does hold its own in the furniture world. The visual distinctiveness of cocobolo combined with its scarcity has made cocobolo furniture extremely popular. It costs about the same as other exotic woods, such as rosewood, and is currently among the most priceless in the world.
Collectors highly prize the vibrant, striped wood grain of cocobolo wood. However, while brown is the predominant color yellow, red, purple, and even black are sometimes used as accent colors. Cocobolo wood charms designers with a lustrous look, shimmering like lacquer. Its eye-catching sheen is especially loved. Yet some other woods can match such brilliance. Don S. Shoemaker is a Mexican furniture designer who used cocobolo wood in organic modernist designs from the 1960s to 1970s. He is one of the most well-known designers to have worked with this material extensively.
A Glimpse at Cocobolo Wood
Cocobolo wood, native to the region between Mexico and Panama, is also known as Mexican rosewood or Central American rosewood. This is authentic rosewood. The only wood that is denser than it is African Blackwood.
Craftspeople enjoy using Cocobolo timber. They find its nature easy to work with. It brings them great joy when furniture takes shape from it. String instrument manufacturers also frequently employ it because of its well-known ability to absorb and bounce sound.
People cherish Cocobolo wood for its intense, multi-hued coloring. Over time, the colors fade into a rich, uniform shade. One should not forget the wood’s aroma, frequently characterized as assertively floral.
The Rarity of Cocobolo Table
Because we can only get cocobolo wood from a small part of the world, it is quite uncommon to find cocobolo furniture, which adds to its significant demand. Indeed, the need for cocobolo lumbar accelerated the building of the Panama Canal in the early 1990s so that producers from Central America could export cocobolo to the rest of the world. Crafters have discussed whether cocobolo wood can cause health issues. It has substantially increased the rarity of cocobolo works. The dusty nature of the wood—becomes dangerous only when it is chopped or sanded. Compared to other wood species, cocobolo produces an unusually high amount of dust. Because of these inherent health risks associated with massive levels of dust, caution needs to be exercised when working with cocobolo wood.
The cocobolo tree is marked as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This increases the price and rarity of cocobolo pieces. Accordingly, Governments all over the world closely regulate the cocobolo trade to try and preserve the existence of the tree, especially as it can take up to twenty years to mature.
Once a cocobolo tree is fully mature, woodcutters have to take more precautions than standard wood when it comes to harvesting and preparation for the next stage of processing. To add to the difficulty in getting hold of cocobolo rosewood, the tree can grow as much as 80 feet tall.
Famous Cocobolo Wood Designers and Their Works
Although several artisans have used cocobolo wood, Don S. Shoemaker (1919-1990) is arguably the most well-known. Shoemaker, who was born in Nebraska, studied design at the Art Institute of Chicago before falling in love with Mexico during his honeymoon in the late 1940s.
When Shoemaker moved to Mexico, he started an uncommon passion for horticulture and soon became quite interested in the native tropical woods of the area. Combining his experience in design with his recently discovered interest, Shoemaker established Señal S.A., a furniture production company that specialized in Mid-Century Modernist reinterpretations of traditional Mexican furniture.
Moreover, they had many workers, around a hundred, when they were most popular. Desks, boards for cheese, salt shakers, pepper holders – these were some items made. Also wood chairs with special accents. Their product range was broad during that time.
While the firm did work with other dark woods like walnut, its main focus was on Mexican rosewood.
As a matter of fact, the company manufactured limited edition custom-made items in addition to mass-produced goods, such as the renowned Cocobolo “Diamond Line Desk.” The desk, made famous by Mexican news caster Jacobo Zabludovsky, has a base made up of two connecting chevron-shaped legs and a half-octagonal top inlaid with a diamond pattern. The fact that just 25 Diamond Line Desks were made further adds to their prestige.
Wharton Esherick (1887-1970) also utilized the artistic nature of cocobolo wood and brought some of the most unique sculptures into existence. “Essie” / “Rebecca” might be one of his most famous cocobolo works. The statue was sold for 3,750 (USD) in November 2014 at Freeman’s. Eventually, it now resides in the Modernism Museum Mount Dora.
Cocobolo Desk: Word of Mouth
Cocobolo Desk Breaking Bad
Coco bolo desks were generally only familiar to collectors at one point, but the appearance of one in Breaking Bad catapulted their popularity.
Jimmy McGill ordered a cocobolo desk when he first started working at the law firm, telling Kim that he didn’t really know what cocobolo lumbar was. But, he liked the pronunciation of the word and so wanted this particular desk.
When he was fired, Cliff Main told him that no one else had a $7,000 cocobolo desk, so Jimmy wrote out a check for it.
Cocobolo Desk Better Call Saul
Breaking Bad is not the only popular TV series that features cocobolo desks. These expensive desks are featured in Better Call Saul, in Saul Goodman’s office. The cocobolo office desk is a big part of Saul’s life and career as a high-flying lawyer.
How to Handle Cocobolo Wood
If you are among the fortunate few who possess furniture or other items made of cocobolo wood, you will almost certainly want to know how to look after them and keep them looking in perfect condition.
Accessibility
The primary issue with cocobolo, a real rosewood, is its incredibly dense and almost oily texture. Also, it has a very characteristic scent that lingers for a long time.
While handling coco bolo wood, you need to remember that it can aggravate allergies, asthma, and skin issues such as dermatitis. To prevent this, always wear dust masks and gloves when cleaning your cocobolo wood desk directly.
Craftmanship
This wood is difficult to work with, and the oil prevents the glue from sticking to the surface. Similarly, the inherent oil in cocobolo prevents the finishing coat from adhering to the surface for a very long time, leaving a sticky, gummy mess.
To stop this from happening and potentially ruining your cocobolo wood desk, let the finish evaporate first. Once this has been done, apply a finishing coat. Now, you can seal the natural oils first and then apply the finishing coat.
Why is Cocobolo Wood So Expensive?
Cocobolo desks are extremely uncommon, which raises the price tag. This desk comes from rare, unusual Central American tropical hardwood. Due to its exceptional hue range and texture, many dub it “a rainbow of wooden shades”.
Cocobolo’s a rosewood type, but generally much harder to procure than other rose woods. If luck favors finding it, processing proves challenging due to fewer branches and smaller size. Thus, cocobolo wood for sale commands far steeper prices than rosewood.
Cocobolo wood colors span purples to yellows, and thanks to its quirky grain, furniture enthusiasts instantly recognize it. These singular traits and the cocobolo wood cost make cocobolo desks quite pricey, in the thousands of dollars. On average, expect to pay around $7000 for a quality cocobolo desk if shopping for a cocobolo wood desk for sale.
Desks are not the only items manufacturers can make from this unique wood.
Musical Instruments From Cocobolo Wood
A cocobolo wood guitar, popular with enthusiasts, can outlast a standard wood guitar significantly. Moreover, the sound a cocobolo wood guitar produces can far surpass that of normal ones.
Cocobolo Tool Handles and Grips
Cocobolo wood also serves as a material for knife handles and hammer handles. It is an excellent wood for knife handles and hammer handles because it lasts longer. Its durability is the key advantage. You might have other handles break or wear out faster. But cocobolo can withstand extensive use without falling apart. Additionally, coco bolo grips can endure prolonged use without needing continuous maintenance.
Small Decorative Item
A rich, warm shade transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art through cocobolo veneering. Its timeless elegance elevates their visual appeal. Furthermore, this prized wood lends a luxurious appearance to items like cue sticks, chess sets, pens, and bowls.
Cocobolo Pool Cues
A rich, warm shade transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art through cocobolo veneering. Its timeless elegance elevates their visual appeal. Furthermore, this prized wood lends a luxurious appearance to items like cue sticks, chess sets, pens, and bowls.
Pens
Special cocobolo pens feel classy and sophisticated for writing daily or special occasions. The smooth wood feels nice to write with. Every pen has a unique pattern in its grain, which gives character.
Bowls
Cocobolo bowls are statement tabletop pieces – showing wood’s beauty while being durable, functional vessels for food or decor. Rich cocobolo tones add warmth and sophistication anywhere, making these bowls standout home additions.
Cocobolo Wood Flooring
Cocobolo excels not only as the best wood for a desk but also as a flooring material. People choose cocobolo floors as well! Cocobolo wood is a robust and durable material, making it an ideal flooring option that withstands dents and scratches. No wonder, its use signifies sophistication and elegance, enhancing any space with a refined and luxurious ambience.
Cocobolo desks are extremely rare, which drives up the price. The rare and unusual tropical wood from Central America is used to make this desk. Owing to its uncommon color palette and texture, many people call it a rainbow of wooden colors.
Cocobolo is a type of rosewood, but it is generally much more difficult to find than other types of rosewood. If you are lucky enough to see it, it can be difficult to process because it has fewer branches and is smaller in size. Because of this, when it comes to cocobolo vs. rosewood, cocobolo wood for sale will always be much more expensive.
The colors in cocobolo wood can be anything from purple tones to yellow, and thanks to the unusual texture, it can be recognized by any furniture aficionado. Because of these unique features and the price of cocobolo wood price, cocobolo desks can be pretty expensive, costing thousands of dollars. On average, a Cocobolo desk cost can be somewhere around ,000 for a good quality cocobolo desk when you are looking for a cocobolo wood desk for sale.
Other Types of Expensive Woods
Cherry wood
Cherrywood is renowned for its warm, reddish-brown hue and silky smooth texture. Its fine, even grain makes it an excellent choice for crafting furniture and woodworking endeavors. Highly prized for its workability and versatility, cherry wood allows for effortless shaping and finishing of furniture pieces. Any furnishing crafted from cherry wood will endure for countless years, a testament to its unparalleled longevity.
Red cedar wood
Red cedar wood is loved by craftspeople. Its nice smell, good looks, and strength make it great. Builders and woodworkers like that it lasts. It won’t rot or get bugs. Things from this wood will still look nice after years.
Maple wood
Maple wood is light-colored with fine grains. It is easy to shape and finish. This lets woodworkers create diverse furniture and decor items precisely. Maple has natural strength. So items made from it withstand daily use. Indeed, it’s reliable for cabinets, tables, floors, and instruments. Maple’s beauty and resilience make it popular. It works for traditional and modern designs.
Walnut wood
Craftsmen think highly of walnut. Its rich brown color and lovely patterns make it a beautiful wood. Walnut is versatile and easy to work with. They can shape and finish walnut nicely so that it looks polished. Moreover, it is perfect for furniture, cabinets and decor items due to it’s durability.
Pine wood
Pine gets a thumbs-up from woodcrafters. Its light hue and straight grain appeal to them. They deem pine a versatile, workable gem. Shaping and finishing it is effortless, so it suits various projects. Think furniture, cabinets, decor – pine fits all. Though not hardwood tough, pine’s accessibility and cost-friendly status win over hobbyists and pros equally. A stellar choice all round!
African Blackwood
African blackwood is valued for its unique qualities. It has a tight grain that allows artisans to shape intricate details with precision. Extremely durable, the wood doesn’t warp or crack, making it an ideal choice for crafting woodwind instruments like clarinets and oboes. Its strength and resistance to damage also make it suitable for complex carvings, whether sculptures or furniture pieces. Although challenging to work with, blackwood’s exceptional beauty and longevity make it a prized material among skilled craftspeople. No wonder, its striking visual appeal and lasting quality are unmatched.
Douglas Fir wood
Doug fir is a versatile wood used for many building projects. It’s tough, affordable, and easy to work with. Artisans appreciate the straight grain and light color which simplifies cutting, shaping, and finishing. Additionally, the wood naturally prevents decay and firmly grasps nails or screws. This makes it perfect for structural purposes like framing, floors, and outdoor decks. Skilled workers rely on Doug fir for constructing houses, furniture, decorations, and more.
Rosewood
Rosewood boasts a distinctive reddish-brown hue and intriguing grain patterns. Its remarkable strength and stability render it ideal for intricate woodworking endeavors, enabling precise shaping and intricate detailing. The natural oils inherent in rosewood enhance its durability, resisting decay. Furthermore, artisans employ rosewood to imbue their creations with exquisite beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. Categorically speaking, they harness its properties for elegant carvings, sophisticated cabinetry, or luxurious flooring. Rosewood empowers craftspeople to showcase their exceptional skill and timeless aesthetic sensibilities.
Normal Wooden Desk vs Cocobolo Desk
So, now we have looked at a range of woods; let us look at the best wood for desk. In the table below, we compare and contrast cocobolo with other wooden desks so that you can choose between different office cubicle alternatives.
| Details | Normal Wooden Desk | Cocobolo desk |
| Price | Cheaper in price | Significantly more expensive |
| Durability | It is entirely dependent on the type of wood used | Very durable |
| Appearance | It is entirely dependent on the type of wood used and the design | Beautiful range of colors and high-quality finish |
| Availability | Easy to find ubiquitously | Rare; only found in Central America |
| Ease of use | Simple to craft with, easy to glue and fixed together | It can be challenging to work with due to the high oil content of cocobolo wood. |
Why People Have Fallen in Love with Cocobolo Desk
There are a myriad of reasons why people have fallen head over heels in love with cocobolo desks. Let’s look at them!
The Beautiful Appearance of Cocobolo Desk
Indeed, a cocobolo desk stands out with its unique style. While pricey, its glamorous and luxurious design justify the cost.
Unlike dull brown desks, cocobolo wood features a vibrant rainbow of deep hues, from orange to red, brown, and even purple. With its high-sheen finish, a cocobolo desk transforms any workspace into an art piece exuding flamboyance and luxury. Undoubtedly, this striking focal point is sure to grab everyone’s attention.
The Durability and Longevity of cocobolo desk
Cocobolo timber stands out for its exceptional durability, withstanding daily wear and tear effortlessly. In fact, this resilience enables a cocobolo desk to endure the demands of routine office use without faltering. Crafting a cocobolo desk involves striking a careful balance between aesthetic appeal and enduring functionality, ensuring it remains a practical choice for years ahead. While cocobolo desks command a higher price point compared to many alternatives, their investment value lies in their longevity, safeguarding them from premature deterioration after a short span.
Cocobolo desk: The Design that Fits Your Style and Practical Needs
Cocobolo desks offer adaptable options to suit individual preferences and workplace aesthetics. Whether you desire an ornamental, intricate design or a streamlined, minimalist structure, these desks can be tailored to your specific requirements. This versatility ensures your desk complements the intended ambiance, seamlessly blending into the surrounding office environment.
Cocobolo Desk: Ticking the Boxes for Style and Substance
When it comes to cocobolo desks, they stand apart with their practicality and beauty. Their rich history and expert craftsmanship have made them famous, even appearing on popular TV shows.
Without a doubt, their appeal goes beyond looks, however. Cocobolo desks symbolize luxury and durability, withstanding daily office use while looking great. Whether rustic charm or modern minimalism is desired, these versatile desks fit any workspace.
In today’s world, the ordinary isn’t enough. Consequently, a cocobolo desk makes a lasting statement, enhancing the ambience and standing the test of time.
