Since ancient times, wood has been the go-to material for furniture. Whether traditional or modern, wooden furniture has always stood the test of time.
With that said, the type of wood you choose determines your furniture’s durability, aesthetics and overall ambience. That’s why you should be careful when making such an important decision.
Wood is a very diverse material. It is available in several kinds, shapes or forms. Therefore, it becomes imperative for buyers to understand the best wood for furniture in India.
Whether it is the timeless magnificence of teak, the grainy and pattern-rich nature of Sheesham, or the sustainable capability of Satinwood, we have discussed it all. Understanding wood types will help in your quest to buy the perfect furniture.
This content would emphasise the different types of wood used for furniture making. Also, you will learn about their properties and characteristics, how wood is seasoned, and things to consider when choosing the best wood for furniture.
So, without further ado, let’s jump straight in.
Understanding Wood Types
In India, based on hardness, wood can be broadly classified into two categories: hardwood and softwood. They are not necessarily hard and soft, but the difference between them lies in their physical characteristics and botanical origin.
Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
When choosing wood for the furniture, the initial choice that one has to make is whether the wood to be used is hardwood or softwood.
Hardwood originates from angiosperm or flowering trees. Examples of these trees include Oak, Maple, Mahogany, etc.
Items made of hardwoods like teak and rosewood are known to be very durable while the cheaper pine could be a better option for those looking for a more budget-friendly option.
On the other hand, Softwood is obtained from evergreen coniferous trees like pine, cedar, spruce and much more.
Both of these Indian wood types find their use in furniture. Let’s explore them further
Indigenous Wood Varieties
Indian woods are of many kinds. The northern plains have Sheesham for each region and the southern regions have Mango wood. Learning their differences allows you to make an informed decision.
Choosing the Best Wood for Furniture in India
The core of the Indian furniture craft is wood. Choosing a wood that suits your furniture goes beyond aesthetics as it has to do with the properties and life span of different types of wood species. It is time to go on a mission to find the best wood for furniture in India.
1. Teak Wood – The Best Hardwood
Without a doubt, Teak is the best wood for furniture in India. Offering a smooth touch, it looks stunning in its natural colour: deep yellow and dark brown.
In addition to being incredibly strong, the wood is fire-resistant and durable. Teak can withstand extreme temperatures too.
As a result, it is the perfect wood for outdoor furniture as it can easily survive extreme heat and cold.
However, Teak furniture is not only confined to the outdoors. You can easily find Teak beds, office chairs, storage cabinets, bathroom racks, and sofa frames, indicating its application in indoor furniture.
Specifically found in Kerala, its high density makes it waterproof and resistant to damage and rotting.
Also, to mention, it is not affected by white ants. These reasons make this durable furniture wood a favourite among carpenters and users.
Some of the most popular types of Indian Teak wood are Nilambur teak wood, Adilabad teak wood, Dandeli teak and Central Province teak wood.
2. Indian Rosewood – Elegant and Durable
Indian Rosewood, or Sheesham, is a hardwood renowned for its elegant grain patterns.
Native to Odisha, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, this dark brown wood is tough and can easily maintain shape in changing weather conditions.
Like Teak wood, it is aesthetically pleasing, durable, fireproof and waterproof. Furniture made from Rosewood is worth looking at. Likely because of its natural grainy texture.
However, due to its termite-resistant capability, it is a bit more expensive than teak.
Household furniture made from this type of wood includes bedroom wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, dining room sets, etc.
The commonly used pieces of furniture such as a coffee table, a bedside table, or a dressing table are identification of Sheesham’s popularity.
Also, you can see musical instruments like Veena and Violin carved from Indian Rosewood. The sturdiness, beauty, and long-lasting nature make this possible.
Sheesham is a versatile furniture wood. It has been used with different finishes and polishes. These reasons are enough to consider Indian Rosewood as the best wood for furniture in India.
3. Sal Wood – The Definition of Strength
Among the different types of wood, Sal is the most commonly used in cases where support and strength are necessary.
Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, this hardwood generally finds its usage in support beams, doors, wooden floors and indoor window frames.
When cut, it is light in colour but becomes dark when exposed to continuous light.
Furniture made from Sal is easy to maintain as it remains fungus-free throughout its lifetime – a hallmark of the best wood for furniture in India.
Used as a construction material, the Sal offers high durability, aesthetic appeal and damage protection from water and moisture.
Another handy benefit of this highly tensile and termite-resistant wood is that it doesn’t require any layer of polishing.
Sal wood exists in various varieties in India. Indian Sal Wood, Red Sal Wood, White Sal Wood, Malaysian Sal Wood, Gum Sal Wood, and Sal Wood Logs are to name a few.
4. Oak Wood – A Carpenter’s Treasure
Oak Wood is easily distinguishable because of its prominent grain pattern and light colour.
A native of the Northern Hemisphere, it comes from Europe, America and the Northern part of Africa. Among its different variants, the northern Red Oak is the most expensive.
It is available in multiple rich colours: white to dark brown. Known for being one of the best wood for bedroom and living room furniture, oak wood is famous for making chairs and dining tables.
Going with this wood would give you world-class stability, durability and resistance to decay and warping.
This wood’s versatile nature extends to both modern and traditional furniture styles. You can easily find high-quality oak wood cabinets, floors, and bookshelves in the Indian market.
An often ignored aspect of Oak is its workability. It means carpenters and professionals love to work with oak as it is relatively easy to give intricate shapes and patterns.
So, for many, Oak wood can be considered the best wood for furniture in India.
5. Deodar – The King of Colder Climates
Deodar Trees grow in cold climates. In India, Deodar wood comes from hilly regions like the Himalayas, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh.
As a result, this type of softwood can easily sustain cold weather and harsh climates. Thus, Deodar is the perfect material for flooring, building houses and windows.
The famous Shikaras or houseboats in Srinagar are made of this wood only.
Unlike Teak, Deodar is lightweight and has coarse grains. It does not have any natural shine and has knots through its body. Therefore, it requires regular polishing for optimum results.
Being an aromatic wood, it possesses a unique fragrance. Its sturdiness, rot and insect resistance give way to prolonged usage.
This lighter variety of wood has antifungal properties, making its usage suitable in interiors.
In the past, Deodar Wood was involved in building temples and landscaping. But today, packaging boxes, railway carriages, railway sleepers, etc are made from the same.
Among the different types of wood, the people of colder climates still prefer Deodar to be one of the best wood for furniture.
Also Read: 9 Best Orthopaedic Mattress in India for Back Pain
6. Mahogany – The Royal Wood
If you still don’t know which wood is best for furniture in India, Mahogany might be the one for you.
Hailing from West Bengal, Assam and Kerala, Mahogany shines brighter than Gold and is naturally one of the most expensive natural woods in India.
Its reddish brown shade makes this wood easily identifiable. Its pores can absorb layers of paint quite well. This results in a glossy finish.
Like several top-quality woods, Mahogany is resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The possibility of shrinking or warping under changeable weather conditions is practically nil.
Its granular structure and natural colour make it a perfect choice for doors, bed frames, kitchen cabinets, garden chairs and other expensive decorative items. Owing to its finesse, it can be sculpted easily.
When discussing durability, you should know that Mahogany can’t be damaged or decayed when submerged underwater. So, this becomes a no-brainer for people living in coastal areas or riverside.
7. Satin Wood – A Vintage Experience
Vintage furniture lovers refer to Satinwood as the best wood for furniture in India. Satinwood is affordable, needs little maintenance and is easy to care for.
Growing from central and southern parts of India, it is locally available throughout the country. Its furniture varies from bright yellow shades to warmer colours.
Satinwood has a very lustrous look thanks to its variable grain structure. It generally comes in lighter shades as compared to other Indian wood types. This type of wood is a necessary component of antique-style furniture.
This exquisitely tropical hardwood’s durability and glossy nature are the desired benefits. However, satinwood’s best quality is its ability to hide imperfections and scratches better than matte finish.
Moreover, satin-finished floors are easier to maintain and clean because of their smooth surface.
Due to its density and interlocking grain patterns, satinwood is easy to work with. It glues and finishes brilliantly.
Owing to its highly aesthetic appeal, satinwood has been in trend for modern decorative furniture.
What is Wood Seasoning?
Before making furniture, wood logs are cut into the required shapes and frame sizes. This freshly cut wood has a high moisture content and is, therefore, unsuitable for usage. So, the logs are left to be dried or seasoned to become usable.
Wood Seasoning refers to the process where the moisture inside wood needs to be brought down to an optimum level.
In normal dry or warm weather conditions, a minimum of one month of wood seasoning is necessary.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wood
The world’s forests are filled with different types of wood species. A large variety of materials are available to make useful, strong, and exotic furniture. Each has a distinct role and set of qualities in the making process.
However, selecting the right wood for your furniture requires serious attention as each factor contributes to the durability and aesthetic appeal of your furniture.
Let us understand the important factors before choosing the best wood for furniture in India.
Climate Considerations
Different wood types react differently to humidity, temperature, and other climate factors.
Depending on whether you live in a humid coastal region or an arid area, you should take into account the climate of your area, thus ensuring that wood is appropriate for the conditions that it will encounter.
For instance, in humid coastal areas, woods resistant to moisture damage, like teak, might be preferable, while in drier regions, woods that are less prone to cracking, such as oak, could be a better fit.
Appearance
High-quality wood contains smooth and visible grains. Whereas rough and scratched wood indicates low quality.
Also, the wood’s colour may change depending on the type of wood. However, if you feel that the colour looks very artificial, then, probably, the product is not genuine.
Durability
If your newly purchased furniture doesn’t last a couple of years, then, it is most likely not made of original wood. Genuine wood is more resilient and long-lasting.
Assess Wood Quality
When it comes to assessing the quality of wood for your furniture, a sharp eye and a couple of tips will help ensure that the type of wood used on your furniture is high quality.
Start by inspecting the surface for knots, the small, dark imperfections caused by branches in the wood. While some knots can add character, excessive or large knots may weaken the wood.
Next, focus on the grain patterns, which enhance the beauty of the furniture. Ideally, look for consistent, straight grains, as these often indicate better-quality wood.
Also, it is significant to check the moisture content because high moisture can cause warping and other problems.
A reliable method is to use a moisture meter to ensure that the wood’s moisture content aligns with the recommended levels for furniture crafting.
Lastly, by following these tricks when checking out your wood options, you’re gearing up to pick some top-notch timber.
It’s not just about that impressive look but the long haul. Your furniture’s going to stick around, standing the test of time.
Budget Constraints
Calculate and figure out the total cost of the furniture after considering your budget. Make sure your purchases are in line with budgetary constraints and do not deviate from this path.
Sure the appeal of premium wood can never be questioned, it has that magnetic pull, but a wise decision should consider options that would not go against the pocket and still maintain the desired quality.
Affordable alternatives like mango wood and engineered wood offer a practical balance, providing an avenue for budget-conscious individuals to invest in durable and aesthetically pleasing furniture. Now corner tables for a living room are made up of engineered or mango wood.
By knowing that quality and affordability go hand in hand, you will be able to choose a fitting piece of furniture that not only fits your budget but can also add style and substance to the household.
Local Artisans and Customization
Custom-made furniture provides details that stand out and can improve the ambience and functionality of your space.
It is a unique and stylish addition to any home. It is also often made more durable and sustainable than mass-produced furniture.
Consider supporting local artisans producing handmade pieces who pour their expertise and passion into creating unique furniture.
In working with local craftsmen, you preserve traditional craftsmanship while at the same time enabling you to create furniture that suits your requirements.
Customising can go as far as the wood type and finish, hardware and upholstery. Each detail may be made to fit your style and home interior. Understand wood types and which is the best wood for furniture in India.
There is nothing like crafting furniture that will blend well with your room design, form, and utility.
Also, like customized desks, shelves and cabinets, you can adapt your furniture to the dimensions of your office to avoid wastage of space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best wood for furniture in India is more than just about aesthetics.
We have looked at a variety of wood options, from Teak for timeless elegance, Sheesham for versatility and Satinwood for affordable choice.
On hardwoods like Oak and Sal for strength and support, Deodar for colder climates and Mahogany for its richness and resistance.
We have demonstrated that affordable options like mango wood and engineered wood can lead to quality without high cost.
Also discussed are considerations like wood seasoning and the influence of climate that contribute towards the choice process.
Through the practical advice we have provided, readers can decide whether a sample of wood has good knots.
In addition, it is also possible to determine factors such as the grain pattern as well as moisture content.
This comprehensive guide gives readers the ability to select suitable wood for their furniture and also makes homes that show personal styles, values and tastes.
Also Read: 7 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for Work from Home
FAQ
Which wood is best for furniture in India?
Overall, Teak is the best wood for furniture. Its natural shine, toughness, durability, water and weather resistance make it the ultimate wood type. Sheesham is a very close alternative to Teak. However, if you are looking for the most shining and aesthetically pleasing wood, Mahogany is the most sensible choice.
What is the hardest wood in India?
Indian Rosewood, also known as Sheesham, is the hardest among hardwoods. Its high density and durable nature make it a perfect fit for beds, dining chairs, TV units, chests of drawers, and so on.
Is Sheesham furniture termite-resistant?
Yes, Sheesham possesses natural oils that act as a deterrent to termites. Regular maintenance and polishing enhance its longevity.
What gives rosewood its unique colour?
Rosewood has a unique reddish-brown colour from the heartwood that gives it a touch of elegance.
Is mango wood eco-friendly?
Yes, mango wood is considered eco-friendly as it makes use of wood from the fruit industry, thus promoting sustainability.
Which is costly rosewood or teak wood?
Rosewood is better at termite resistance in comparison to Teak wood. Due to this reason, it is, at times, more expensive than the latter. However, most of their other properties and characteristics are almost similar.
Which wood is best for outdoor furniture in India?
For outdoor furniture, you need wood which can withstand changing weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Woods like Teak, Oak, Mahogany, Cedar and Eucalyptus are sturdy and maintain their shape in harsher conditions as they are resistant to warping.
