Sustainability is at the heart of our DNA. Our commitment comes to life through initiatives like the Whole Tree Approach—a key pillar of our eco-friendly philosophy. By using every part of the trees we grow, we minimize waste, support biodiversity, and craft uniquely designed, sustainably-sourced MasayaCo pieces.
In this article, we explore how our Whole Tree Approach redefines sustainable furniture making and helps build a better future—for your home, your community, and the planet.
From Seed to Sustainability.
Our process begins long before a chair is made or a table is assembled. It starts with selecting and planting the right trees. We grow native and non-native species in healthy nurseries, where seedlings are carefully cultivated to thrive in Nicaragua’s tropical environment. This promotes strong ecosystems and reduces pressure on old-growth forests.
Once ready, these seedlings are planted on degraded cattle pasture using regenerative agroforestry practices. Our forestry team prepares the land to preserve existing flora and fauna while improving soil quality for long-term growth.
In the early years, these reforested lands do more than grow trees. Integrated with food-producing plants like citrus, plantains, and papayas, our forests double as ecological corridors—inviting native wildlife and pollinators to return and flourish. This approach blends environmental restoration with agricultural resilience.
A Forest-Grown Future for Furniture.
Teak wood is the foundation of MasayaCo’s sustainably-sourced furniture. Because we grow and manage our own forests, we have full visibility and accountability over how our resources are cultivated, harvested, and used.
Every tree is monitored for health, growth, and readiness. When a tree is mature and ready for harvest, we use eco-conscious methods to minimize impact on surrounding ecosystems. From this point forward, a strict chain of custody ensures the wood remains traceable—from forest to finished product. All of our furniture is FSC® Certified, meaning every piece of wood we use complies with the Forest Stewardship Council’s rigorous standards for environmental responsibility, fair labor practices, and transparent supply chains.
This leads us to what makes the Whole Tree Approach so impactful: no part of the tree goes to waste.
Every Tree, Every Inch.
We’ve designed our manufacturing process to utilize all parts of the tree. Larger, mature teak wood becomes ideal material for outdoor furniture—durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting. Younger wood is used for indoor pieces, offering lightness and versatility in design.
Even the smallest offcuts that would normally be discarded are transformed into value - finger-jointed into frames or table legs, or used in home construction through our Masaya Homes division. Sawdust or bark? Those become renewable biofuel for our wood-drying kilns, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
The result is a model designed to minimize waste—sustainable furniture and homes crafted in harmony with nature.
Craftsmanship with a Purpose.
Our furniture isn’t mass-produced. It’s handcrafted by skilled artisans who take pride in creating long-lasting, meaningful designs. Each piece—whether it’s an Izapa Rocking Chair or a Telica Stacking Side Table—embodies generations of craftsmanship and honors the natural characteristics of the wood.
Sustainability continues through to the final stage. We use eco-friendly finishes—like natural oils and low-VOC water-based stains—to protect the wood without harming the environment. From raw timber to finished product, each step is an intentional act of care.
Designed for a Better Tomorrow.
Whether it’s furniture or the modular pre-fab homes built by Masaya Homes, the Whole Tree Approach shapes how we think, design, and build. It’s a model that supports sustainable furniture, empowers local communities with fair-wage artisan jobs, and ensures the forests we plant today thrive for generations to come.
Investing in this kind of system creates both environmental and economic value. We reduce emissions, preserve biodiversity, and expand job opportunities—proving that sustainability and craftsmanship can go hand in hand.
As interest in outdoor furniture and environmentally-conscious design grows, MasayaCo remains committed to leading the way. Our Whole Tree Approach isn’t just a process—it’s a mindset, a mission, and a movement toward a more intentional way of living.
Join Us.
Choose furniture that tells a story. One that connects your home to a greater purpose. With MasayaCo’s Whole Tree Approach, your space becomes part of a larger vision—where sustainability, beauty, and responsibility grow together.
Author: Paola Luconi G. & MasayaCo Editorial Team