Whether it is a modern home or a traditional one, it is the furniture that makes its interior look beautiful. And while interior design trends change constantly, it is the wooden furniture that remains timeless. Handmade wooden furniture is sturdy, long-lasting, and highly artistic. But, while bespoke interiors are great, which wood is best for furniture in India? You’d be surprised to know several types of wood for furniture in India. So, if you are planning to get some handmade furniture for your home, here’s a list of the best wood for furniture that you should know about.
Best Wood for Furniture in India
1. Teak Wood
Teak is the most commonly used type of wood in India. It is one of the strongest, very durable wood and hence, it is used to make cabinets, door frames, and tables. One of the main reasons Teak is one of the best wood for furniture is that it is resistant to decay and can outlast other types of wood. Also, since it is hardwood, it can endure extreme cold and heat. In India, Kerala is the biggest supplier of Teak, but some manufacturers import it from Ghana and Burma.
Now, let’s take a look at different types of Teak wood.
Types of Teak Wood
i. Nilambur Teak Wood
As mentioned earlier Nilambur Teak comes from Kerala, India. The Teak wood tree grows tall, has thick logs, and the heartwood is golden brown. Also known as Malabar Teak, Nilambur Teak has a straight grain, and termites can’t get to it easily. Carpenters can easily work on it with machines or hand tools.
ii. Adilabad Teak Wood
As the name suggests, the Adilabad Teak wood comes from Adilabad, Telangana.
iii. CPT (Central Province) Teak Wood
Central Province Teak or CPT is considered one of the best Teaks in the world because it is sourced from slow-growth forests of the arid and hot central regions of the country. It mainly comes from Madhya Pradesh and can be easily identified as it has a deep colour and close grain.
iv. Dandeli Teak
This variety of Teak is harvested from North Karnataka. It has dark brown colour and has irregular spiral and straight gains.
v. Nagpur Teak Wood
Sourced from Nagpur, this Teak wood is ideal for making heavy furniture. The quality of this Teak is on par with Burma Teak, which is very high. And for this very reason, it is in very high demand all over the country.
vi. Paratwada Teak
This Teak comes from the Paratwada, Amravati district, Maharashtra. It has an abundance of rubber and natural oils inside the tight grain. And this one, in particular, retains the oils even after being cut and processed. Therefore, Paratwada Teak has more weather-resistant properties than any other wood type.
These oils protect the wood from fungi, dry rot, and parasites, which are common problems in wooden furniture. While other woods require weather-proof oil treatments, this Teak does not.
2. Sal Wood
Sal wood is one of the best wood for furniture because it does not require several layers of polish to make it durable. It can endure underground damp conditions and water. Furthermore, it is also termite-resistant. All these qualities make it the best wood for furniture in India.
Sal wood is used to make staircases, door frames, beams, and also for construction purposes. In India, Sal wood is harvested in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. However, it can also be found in Malaysia and other countries. The Indian Sal or Shala comes from the Sal tree and is cylindrical, straight, and attains good length.
When freshly cut, it is light in colour, but gradually it changes colour to dark brown with exposure. Sal wood is termite-resistant, long-lasting, and remains fungi-free for a long time, but if kept for a long time in direct sunlight, it tends to crack. Therefore, it is less expensive as compared to teak wood.
There are several types of Sal wood such as Indian Sal Wood, Gum Sal Wood, Red Sal Wood, Malaysian Sal Wood, White Sal Wood, and Sal Wood Logs. The price of this wood depends on its type.
3. Deodar
Deodar is a coniferous tree that predominantly grows in a cool climate. Therefore, it is mostly found in places such as Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and more.
Compared to Teak, Deodar wood is lightweight, has a coarse grain, and knots at regular intervals. Deodar doesn’t have self-sheen and therefore, it needs regular polishing. It is softwood, which makes the best wood for furniture making. Another reason Deodar is great for furniture is that it has a certain aroma and it can really endure cold weather.
4. Bamboo Wood
Bamboo is a type of grass that is classified as Bambusa genera of the Poaceae family. It grows tall and most commonly grows in South Asian countries. However, in India, it grows mainly in Bengal, Assam, and a few other parts. It is one of the strongest woods available in India and besides that, it is highly flexible. It is mainly used in making cane and rattan furniture.
5. Satin Wood
If you are wondering which wood is best for furniture that looks vintage, the answer would be Satinwood. Even though the wood looks expensive, it is very affordable. It grows in the southern and central parts of India and is highly durable and long-lasting. Carpenters can give it the desired look or finish by just dabbling with different types of polish. Furniture made with Satinwood usually has a very lustrous look.
6. White Cedar Wood
White Cedar Wood is ideal for lightweight furniture such as trunks, shelves, or decorative items. It doesn’t require much upkeep and therefore, is best for items that are not used much. Also known as Marandi, it is largely imported from Malaysia. It is a softwood and requires a month-long seasoning and only then it is ready to use.
The best use of this wood is to create interiors of dining chairs and sofas, which are further unholstered. It is very effective when it comes to strength and load bearing. On top of that, it has a fragrance that is insect-repellent, and yet it is very pleasant. Despite all these properties, it is affordable, making it one of the best wood for furniture.
The Indian White Cedar Wood has ingrained oils, which make it resistant to fungal growth and weather. Lastly, this wood is low-maintenance.
7. Indian Rosewood
Indian rosewood, also known as Sheesham, is a favourite of carpenters’ work. It is a hardwood, which can be used for different finishes and polishes. It is the most expensive, cream of the crop wood in India but still, it is the most preferred choice for furniture making because of its durability, termite-resistant quality, and versatility.
Rosewood is best for making sofas, kitchen cabinets, beds, and even wooden flooring. In India, it is also used to make musical instruments, especially in Southern India. Indian Rosewood is taken from the Penny Leaf Tree or DalBergia Sissoo tree. As it is a hardwood, it is very durable and strong and works well with different kinds of machinery, finishing, and glues.
8. Oak Wood
The Oak is mostly found in the northern hemisphere such as Asia, Europe, America, and North Africa. It is deep brown in colour and sometimes its hue is copper as well. The most expensive oak is the northern red oak.
Oak is known for its durability and it is one of the best wood for furniture and perfectly matches a lot of interiors. It is also the preferred choice for chairs and dining tables.
9. Mahogany
Mahogany wood has a reddish brown colour and works really well with finishes. Its colours make it perfect for outdoor and indoor furniture such as crockery cabinets, bed frames, and other indoor furniture. It is the best wood because it doesn’t swell, warp or shrink.
10. Mulberry Wood
Also known as Morus Alba, this wood gives a neat finish and it is easy to carve to make ornate pieces of decoration and furniture. It offers a clean finish and can also be used to make floors. It is strong and has some elasticity to make it easy to work with. It comes in a range of colours allowing it to give a desirable finish.
11. Jackwood
Jackwood is a finely-grained, compact, and easy to work with type of wood. It is mainly found in Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. It is even-grained, giving the furniture a nice finish. It can be carved easily, which makes it perfect for creating furniture, and other decorative items for the home. What makes it popular is the aesthetic appeal of this wood. It can also be used to make musical instruments, door panels, and more.
Why Choose Wooden Furniture?
People always ask why to choose wooden furniture at all when the home is modern, stylish, and sleek. The answer is that wooden furniture has always stood the test of time. It gives an elegant finish and can be customised as per the owner’s choice without breaking the bank. Though wooden furniture has a lot of competitors, none can compete with the intricate craftsmanship done on it and its royal appearance.
To Conclude
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of woods in India, and choosing one for your interiors can be a challenging task, especially if you are new to it. In this guide, we mentioned some of the best woods you can use to make custom furniture for your homes and we hope you can choose the best wood for your furniture needs.
