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Mastering Elegance: Discover the Best Woods for Furniture in India

Indian architecture and home designs have evolved quite a lot over the past few decades. However, the role of wood still remains timeless when it comes to both building material and accessories. No other article flaunts it as fashionably as the furniture.

Whether decorative or practical, the utilisation of wood is still integral to any furniture design or arrangement you have in mind. There are several designers that consider the material perennial to the aesthetics of a household or commercial setting.

Therefore, choosing the best types of wood for furniture in India can bring about a balance of elegance and practicality that you can’t beat with any other material.

To that end, this is a straightforward guide that can help you quickly decide on which kind of wood would be best for the kind of furniture you have in mind.

 

1. Why Choose Wooden Furniture?

While you have alternatives with aluminum and plastic for nearly every kind of furniture imaginable, wood furniture still has various advantages. A few notable ones include the following.

Durability and Longevity

Wooden furniture holds plenty of merit when it comes to durability. A well-made wooden chair, stool, couch, or bed can last you for decades. They can withstand various loads and impacts without deformation, unlike metal or plastic furniture that is subject to creep over time.

Versatility in Design

Wood is a generally lightweight material with a high tensile strength, making it quite desirable for a wide range of designs.
You can have slender, sleek side tables alongside bulky coffee tables that complement each other quite well. In addition, wood is compatible with almost all materials, making it quite convenient to make articles that combine with alloy or thermoplastic parts.

Aesthetic Appeal of Natural Wood

Since human civilization has evolved with woodworking at the centre of innovation, we have grown accustomed to relate it with pleasing aesthetics. It’s a way of our psychology telling us that good quality wood holds exceptional value.
With proper finish and polish, there are no other materials that can bring you joy provided directly from mother nature. That is why the appeal of wood is unshakeable when it comes to home or work environments.

Low Maintenance and Eco-Friendliness

The best wood for furniture in India holds a unique standing since it’s both low maintenance and eco-friendly. Aside from occasional cleaning and polishing, wood doesn’t demand much work, which is excellent considering the fast-paced of our lives. Moreover, much of the wood used for furniture is responsibly sourced under the keen eye of the Indian Forest Services. Almost all wooden furniture can be replicated tenfold by the time an article degrades to the point of non-usability.

 

2. What Are the Different Types of Wood for Furniture in India?

There are different types of wood used for furniture in India. The choice boils down to cost, practicality, and aesthetics. The country’s rich biodiversity supports several variations to thrive. Let’s take a look at the ones that are most popular with regards to furniture.

Teak Wood

If you desire high durability with minimal maintenance, then teak wood is the best option out there. It’s highly durable, able to resist weather effects, inert to most chemical reactions, and very low maintenance.

It also gives a rich golden-brown glow that ages wonderfully into a lovely silver-gray patina over time. Craftsmen love working with it since it’s quite convenient to mold and doesn’t produce excess chips when cut.

The only disadvantage that prevents this high-quality, long-lasting wood variety from becoming more common is cost. Due to the annual low yield of teak trees, which grow well only in certain atmospheric and soil conditions, means that only a limited amount is available to consume sustainably.

 

Indian Rosewood

Indian rosewood (also known as Sheesham) is easy to spot thanks to its unique grain patterns over dark accents. Unlike teak, Indian rosewood is quite common but grows at a comparatively slower rate. As such, it’s the most expensive wood variety you can have for premium furniture in India.

You might prefer Indian rosewood if you want exceptional strength and durability alongside the ability to resist termite infestations. Nevertheless, it’s a great idea to prevent spilling coffee or chemicals if you want to make it last long.

 

Sal Wood

If you live in a humid area, you might notice the bulging of various wooden articles, especially the ones thicker than 10 mm (0.39 inches). That’s because moisture has a terrible way of condensing within the gaps of wood, making it expand with temperature changes and reducing its life cycle.

In such a case, sal wood is the perfect alternative. It’s highly moisture resistant and holds incredible structural strength. Many interior designers actually use it for providing strength to concrete and metallic structures. For all its strength, it’s quite economical as well, making it perfect if you want to give a major overhaul to your study by adding a bookshelf or a platform for your entertainment system.

 

Cedar Wood

Cedar wood has been used across South and East Asia for centuries, thanks to its lightweight and pest-resistant design. You can apply various coats of paint and protective layers over it to make it more resistant to wear and tear as well. That makes cedar wood perfect for side tables and decorative furniture.

Carpenters love working with cedar wood as they can craft beautiful shapes out of it easily without much effort. It’s very economical and sustainable, thanks to its availability year-long in ample supply from fast-replenishing reserves.

 

Mahogany Wood

Mahogany is a premium quality wood variety that is rich in colour and has a smooth finish, often referenced quite gloriously with historical royalty. It is one of the most costliest wood in India, making it available to only a select few collectors and craftsmen that truly appreciate the beauty of nature. Its smooth reddish-brown hue over a fine grain is as pleasing to sight as it is to touch. If you truly want to stand out from the crowd, mahogany is the obvious choice.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, mahogany is resistant to weather and termite infestations. It can maintain its look for decades without requiring much care. Thanks to its high durability, you can use it to craft a wide range of designs that convey volumes about your personal preferences without speaking a word.

 

Oak Wood

Oak is quite popular in Western countries due to its strong and long-lasting nature. You might find it commonly used in shelves and flooring in India as well. A proof of its longevity is granted by the Resolute Desk used in the White House that was constructed in 1880 and is still in use today. Its timeless look never goes out of style and is able to retain any polish for quite longer than other wood types.

Furniture made of oak wood tends to require less maintenance and resist most of the elements thanks to its multiple layers of grain. That also gives oak insulating properties, able to resist chemical reactions and heat transfer which saves you plenty in energy costs long term.

 

Mulberry Wood

Mulberry is a more modern wood variety that has become popular since the 1980s. It saw a massive increase in furniture and interior design since the Indian government became more stringent when it came to forest conservation. Mulberry is a fast-growing deciduous plant that has high yield of wood with minimal investment. As a result, it became a go-to for setting up sustainable plantations for woodworking supplies.

In addition to being eco-friendly, mulberry wood possesses decent strength and is quite easy to work on. You can create astonishing details within your furniture pieces without paying premium prices. Its only drawback is the increased frequency of maintenance as compared to other wood varieties.

 

Deodar Wood

When it comes to the aesthetics of any environment, you need it to smell good. That’s where deodar wood can assist. This sweet-smelling wood type is ideal for those who want to embrace the essence of nature in an artificial environment. The aroma is an effect due to oil deposited on the outside of the bark, which gets an enhancement once it’s cut for practical use.

The smells are desirable to keep away termites and other insects as well, keeping your room free from most pests. Unfortunately, that is also the reason why deodar doesn’t possess much strength to be used in heavy furniture. Still, its lightweight frame makes it suitable for a wide range of complex designs in pieces that are meant to stay indoors.

 

Jackwood

Jackwood (named so because it is obtained from jackfruit trees) is a bulky and sturdy wood variety that you might go for if you want more durability without spending much money. No wonder most traditional Indian furniture is made from jackwood. Its logs are a feature of most logging sites.

Compared to other wood varieties, jackwood requires a lot more maintenance, particularly when it comes to keeping it free of pests. You can easily obtain intricate designs on jackwood surfaces with ease, and they can last for the better part of ten years.

 

Satin Wood

In case looks are the be-all and end-all for your furniture, then you should probably have some satin wood furniture on your list. This is exclusively used for decorative pieces throughout the world and brings about a unique shine that makes any piece noticeable immediately.

As such, it’s best to plan ahead with adequate lighting available where you place satin wood furniture. Additionally, it’s also quite resistant to wear and termites, although most craftsmen advise that you polish the surfaces regularly to maintain its aesthetic appeal.

 

Is Neem Wood Good for Furniture?

For those looking for an economical option that is both durable and pest-resistant, neem wood is an excellent choice. Its high tensile strength makes it perfect for tables, chairs, cabinets, and bed frames. Since neem is suitable for most climate conditions and is a fast-growing tree, it’s also a sustainable option over most other wood types.

While neem wood doesn’t have the aroma of deodar, its bark smells quite pleasant. Combined with a smooth grain surface, that gives neem furniture unmatched aesthetics for the price.

 

Sal Wood vs Teak Wood: Which Wood is Good for Furniture?

Given that sal and teak wood are quite comparable in quality, you might be a bit conflicted as to which one you should pick for ordering furniture out of.

Here’s how 

Durability and Strength

Both sal wood and teak wood have excellent strength, but teak wood is more resistant towards physical strains and weather effects, making it more suitable for outdoor furniture.

Cost Comparison

Teak wood is generally 2 to 3 times more expensive than sal wood. That’s because of the rarity of supply and difficulty working on it, particularly if you want to create innovative designs on your furniture.

Best Uses and Applications

Sal wood is most practical for cupboards, tables, and other furniture that is meant to stay indoors, away from elements. That saves you quite a lot of time when it comes to maintenance as well. Teak wood is best used for outdoor furniture, such as porch couches and pool-side tables.

 

Notable Qualities of the Best Wood for Furniture in India

Wood furniture in India needs to be considered as per certain criteria so that you ensure you get the most value from your purchase. A few of the most significant ones are mentioned below.

Termite Resistance

India is home to several species of termites, the most common being the Eastern Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). These can find their way everywhere, from outdoor fencing to cupboards and cabinets. As such, you need to ensure that your furniture is termite free naturally or with the proper application of repellant.

Moisture Resistance

The Indian peninsula experiences high humidity and rain in most regions erratically throughout the year. That makes it critical to ensure your wooden furniture is resistant to moisture and doesn’t experience water damage that reduces its life span.

Grain Patterns and Aesthetic Appeal

Smooth grain wood that has consistent surface aesthetics are more expensive and vice versa. You might also get a good deal if you wish to maintain the furniture more regularly instead of having relatively low maintenance wood varieties.

Cost and Availability of the Types of Wood Used for Furniture in India

Not all types of wood are available annually with a consistent supply. Depending on the logging license, certain wood varieties might go up in cost owing to shortage of supply and high demand. It’s best to do some homework and check which wood is in season to get a great deal on furniture made from it.

 

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Furniture Needs

Depending on what kind of furniture you need, it’s best to choose the correct wood type that best suits the application. Here are a few that suit certain criteria the best.

Based on Budget

When it comes to economical furniture, jackwood and neem wood are the most economical options you can consider. They are readily available and are easy to work on. If you want a more premium feel, you can consider sal wood as well.

Based on Usage

Oak wood and teak wood are the most durable types of wood for furniture in India. You can utilise them for both indoor and outdoor furniture that undergo regular use, such as bed frames, shelves, cupboards, and coffee tables. You might want to consider a robust bedroom furniture set guide to help you design premium quality furniture for everyday use.

Based on Style

While the best luxury furniture store in India can make your desired designs out of any wood variety as per your needs, it’s best to consider which wood type is more suitable for craftsmanship. Typically, lightweight wood varieties such as neem and cedar are quite convenient for woodworking, letting you create intricate designs for decorative pieces.

However, if you’re willing to splurge your budget a bit, you can obtain excellent aesthetics with heavier wood types like oak and sal wood that will last you much longer while keeping the furniture more practical.

 

How Bontrue Can Help You

If you require a one-stop destination for all your wooden furniture requirements, then you need not look further.

Bontrue caters to any and all types of premium furniture needs you may have, from procuring the finest Indian woods sustainably to unparalleled design capabilities, you can explore a curated selection of furniture customised just as you want.

Visit our luxury furniture store in Hyderabad for all your wood furniture needs. Regardless of what kind of questions you have, our expert team of professionals will be happy to guide you on your journey.

Our biggest store is in Kompally, which houses the largest and most premium collection for any particular season.

Bontrue’s HyderShahKote site is where our designers work putting all their creativity and knowledge into creating the most pleasing aesthetics suitable for our client base.

Kondapur is our hub for craftsmanship and manufacturing where all our designs realise physical existence, whereas Banjara Hills is where we secure all the material we need for future projects.

Even if you’re not able to visit Hyderabad, Bontrue has you covered.

Visit our official website to choose from various premium furniture pieces, or send us an email and our representative will get in touch with you at the earliest notice. No matter where you live, our supply chain ships to all over India in a matter of days.

 

People Also Ask/ FAQs

Why Is Sheesham So Expensive?

Sheesham or Indian rosewood is quite expensive because it has great strength and durability along with ease of woodworking. In addition, it holds much cultural significance in Indian history as well, which makes its value in the market go up.

 

Which Wood Is Best for a Sofa?

Any kind of structurally sound wood is best to manufacture a sofa. You can go for teak or sheesham if you have a decent budget. However, sofas made from neem or jackwood may cost you less.

 

What Is a Good Budget for Furniture?

For a complete overhaul with premium furniture, you may consider between INR 3 lakh to INR 5 lakh to spend on every room in a 1 BHK apartment. The dining room and living room furniture make up more than 60% of that cost.

 

Which Wood Is Luxurious?

Teak, Mahogany, and Indian rosewood (sheesham) are considered the most luxurious and expensive wood in India.

 

What Is the Most Expensive Wood?

Indian rosewood or sheesham is the most expensive wood type in India. If you consider international shipments as well, then African Blackwood is the most expensive.

 

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