Have you read any of the shipping furniture home from SE Asia threads? There have been quite a few. Recognize that you will pay more for shipping than you do for the wood. Also, you will either need to pay an expediter to get it through customs at the closest port to you or go do it yourself.

Regarding shipping from Asia, yes, expensive. However, if you aren't sending an entire container home by ship then look into sending it air freight. I bought a bed in India several years ago and the cost by FedEx air was less than sending one item by sea. And no expeditor, no picking up at a port, it was delivered to my door. A week instead of months. $400 for the bed, $600 for the shipping.

I don't have a specific recommendation for a supplier in Ubud, but the generally buying natural wood and wooden furniture is a leap of faith as every piece is organic and unique. Much of the wood and furniture that you see in Bali is actually made in Java so you want to deal with specialists who understand the product.

You should definitely choose a seller who has demonstrated experience in shipping wooden furniture to the US. If they have other pieces going to the US they will be able to consolidate your items.

Usually sellers will want to work with their own shipper and forwarder, but if not, there are many companies in Bali that can handle that aspect of the process. I like Rim Cargo, though I've never used them in Ubud. They will pack, ship and handle the clearance and delivery on arrival. Get quotes for both air and sea freight.

The two most important considerations when buying wooden furniture are 1) how the wood will react to the change in climate and 2) pest infestation. Both can be dealt with by proper treatment. Wood expands and contracts depending on the temperature and humidity levels and some woods are more variable than others. You would also want to make sure that the species of wood is allowed into the US, as some tropical hardwoods are protected.

All of these concerns are routine to experienced sellers, so ask a lot of questions.

cost of shipping might scare you

Hi,
I've recently come back from Ubud and bought myself a slab of wood from the ''Giant wood'' shop...
How was your experience like? Did you buy from this shop finally? Have you received your furniture?

Thanks a lot