Pizarra is a local cloud forest hardwood in the laurel family. It is only harvested from dead trees, with the permission of the environmental authorities of Panama (ANAM). Some of these logs were cut and left on the ground over forty years ago and the wood is still in perfect condition, attesting to its incredible resistance to rot and termites.

Cypress, known as Mexican or Portugese Cypress, is a non-native softwood. Cypress was planted in rows in the area years ago to act as a wind break. Regular thinning of the Cypress rows takes place as the trees grow.

Mahogany, true honduran mahogany is a native tree well known in furniture making. When recently cut mahogany is orange in color and ages beautifully over years to a deep choclate brown. This wood was purchased from a local native americans at a fair trade price.

Quira Roja, also known as Panama Redwood is a very dense, heavy wood with distinctive grain. Quira Rojo also has a lighter toned sapwood that can be used to make attractive color accents. This wood was also purchased from a local native americans at a fair trade price.

Teaching

Los Milanos is committed to teaching local youths in a classic apprentice type atmosphere. Shop assistants learn valuable woodworking skills, appropriate safety techniques, environmental awarness, business skills and customer relations. The hoped for end result is that they will move forward with their own specialty shops and help enhance the valley's reputation as an area of expert craftsmanship.

Micro-production

Instead of re-designing each piece, the shop uses production templates of designs that have been thoroughly tested for comfort, durability and esthetic appeal.