The Best Stick in Diani Beach

Furniture on sale by the road

Are you one of those people who are intrigued by the stick furniture that is sold by the roadsides of Diani Beach? I am and the reason is – I now see more and more of this furniture and can’t help wonder if it is stable, durable, functional and environment friendly. Debate about using sticks instead of timber is inconclusive but the logic in my mind is that, the sticks used do not take decades to mature like some of the best timber, therefore using sticks saves trees. So it could actually be a good alternative to buy furnishings made from these sticks. Stick furniture is definitely viable for those small things in the house like shoe racks or shelves. It would help if the workmen really improved the workmanship and brought some artistry to the craft as it would result in better prices and appreciation or the items.

Interesting coat hangers

The stick furniture is sold Diani Beach mostly around the T- junction at Nakumatt. According to the carpenters, they only use sticks rom the Mwarubaini – otherwise known as Neem. The Neem is well known for its alleged ability to cure 40 diseases. The carpenters told me the Mwarubaini is preferred because it is dudu proof and very  flexible. Instects don’t like it.

The sticks  used to make the furniture are peeled while still green, sometimes burnt a little  and then bent to take shape as the carpenters envision. They are curved a full circle without breaking and used to make all sorts of interesting furnitures such as round tables and sun-beds. I also saw entertainment units, chairs and- the carpenter claimed to have a 4×6 bed at home that was made from the sticks!

Here are the shelves

Amazingly, the items are very cheap. That is a good thing if you don’t scrutinize the quality too much and a bad thing  for the cratsmen because they make too little. If only they took time to produce fine items of higher qality, then they would get good prices for their stick furniture.

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