What IS Alligator Juniper?
The term "Alligator Juniper" comes from the bark, which resembles the scales of an alligator. These trees grow approximately 5000 to 7500 feet in elevation, in the mountain ranges from Colorado to Northern Mexico, roughly following the continental divide. They range in age from several hundred years old to over a thousand years, and grow to a height of over 100 feet, having a diameter of 8 feet at the base.
If these "ancient ones" could speak, possibly the myths of the old "outlaw trail" running from Canada to Mexico, and the legends of the cliff dwelling Native American of the southwestern U.S. , could be explained.
I personally stumbled on to an ancient granary of a bygone cliff dwelling, located in the Gila wilderness, not far from Glenwood, New Mexico, that had Alligator Juniper timbers used for support in its construction. Despite their antiquity, these timbers were in excellent condition, embracing the fact of the natural preservatives unique to this wood.
Alligator Juniper products are not for everyone. Due to the erotic grain patterns in the wood, many of my products are massive in nature (i.e. 4 inches thick for bar tops to 6 to 8 inches thick for mantels.) I let nature dictate the shape of many of my products, thus getting the most strength and beauty out of each piece. Unlike conventional wood products, I design the bench, bar top, counter etc., to follow the natural flow of the grain, trying not to "fight the grain" to create the finished product. The beautiful grain patterns and color are natures own work, and all I try to do is enhance this, thus enabling me to create a distinctly unique and beautiful piece that can never be mass produced.
All my work is 100% guaranteed, and I stand behind all my products. So if you are looking for that special, distinctive piece of furniture or object, give me a call. I can make virtually anything you are looking for!
Ben Marlin
505-539-2342 or
email
More pictures at our mirror site
Ben's Wild Alligator Juniper Furniture
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