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Writer's pictureNitesh Jain

Types of Wood available in India

India is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a wide variety of natural resources. Among these valuable resources, wood plays a significant role. In India, wood has been used for centuries in various aspects of daily life, from construction to crafting exquisite furniture. Let's explore different types of wood available in India, their characteristics, uses, and sources.


1. Teak Wood (Tectona grandis):

  • Characteristics: Teak is renowned for its exceptional durability, natural oils, and resistance to decay, termites, and weathering. It boasts a golden to dark brown color with a straight, often wavy grain.

  • Teak wood's high oil content not only provides natural protection but also gives it a unique luster and aroma.

  • Uses: Teak is highly prized for crafting high-quality furniture, luxurious boat decks, elegant flooring, outdoor structures, and architectural detailing. Its ability to withstand the harshest environmental conditions makes it ideal for marine applications.

  • Source: Predominantly found in the southern states of India, with Kerala and Karnataka being major producers.




2. Sheesham Wood (Indian Rosewood, Dalbergia sissoo):

  • Characteristics: Sheesham wood is dense, heavy, and durable with a rich, dark brown to deep reddish-brown color. It features a distinct grain pattern with dark streaks.

  • Sheesham is highly regarded for its exquisite natural aesthetics and strong resistance to termites.

  • Uses: Sheesham is a popular choice for crafting traditional Indian furniture, including cabinets, doors, intricately carved pieces, musical instruments, and decorative items.

  • Source: Abundantly found in the northern parts of India, including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.











3. Sal Wood (Shorea robusta):

  • Characteristics: Sal wood is strong and durable with a light to dark brown color and a fine grain. It has a tendency to darken with age.

  • This wood type is known for its strength, making it ideal for load-bearing applications.

  • Uses: Sal wood is extensively used in construction, particularly for building frames, beams, rafters, and railway sleepers. It is also employed in making affordable furniture.

  • Source: Sal forests are abundant in central and eastern India, including states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar.



4. Mango Wood (Mangifera indica):

  • Characteristics: Mango wood exhibits a pale golden-brown color with a fine grain and often displays unique patterns.

  • It is a sustainable choice as it is sourced from mango orchards after the fruit-bearing lifespan of the tree.

  • Uses: Mango wood is favored for carving decorative items, crafting small furniture pieces, and manufacturing kitchen utensils and cookware.

  • Source: Mango trees are found throughout India, making mango wood widely accessible.


5. Bamboo (Various species):

  • Characteristics: Bamboo is a grass that is lightweight, flexible, and characterized by its pale yellow to greenish color.

  • Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, making it highly sustainable.

  • Uses: Bamboo is employed in constructing everything from eco-friendly homes and furniture to handicrafts, flooring, and even scaffolding for construction.

  • Source: Bamboo grows abundantly across India, especially in the northeastern states.


6. Sandalwood (Santalum album):

  • Characteristics: Sandalwood is renowned for its sweet fragrance, dark brown heartwood, and fine grain.

  • Its fragrance is highly valued in religious and aromatic applications.

  • Uses: Sandalwood is prized for carving religious idols, crafting incense, perfumes, and high-end furniture.

  • Source: Predominantly found in the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, sandalwood is known for its rarity and controlled cultivation.





7. Neem Wood (Azadirachta indica):

  • Characteristics: Neem wood features a pale yellow to reddish-brown color with a coarse texture.

  • Neem is celebrated for its medicinal properties.

  • Uses: It is utilized in crafting agricultural tools, household items, and traditional medicinal products.

  • Source: Neem trees are widespread in various parts of India, particularly in the northern and central regions.



8. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla):

  • Characteristics: Mahogany is known for its reddish-brown to deep red color and straight grain.

  • It is not native to India but is occasionally imported for its exceptional qualities.

  • Uses: Mahogany is employed in high-quality furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and paneling.

  • Source: Imported, as it is not native to India.














Technical Specifications of Types of Wood

Types

Tree Size

Avg Dried Weight

Specific Gravity

Elastic Modulus

Crushing Strength

Shrinkage

Teak Wood

​ Large, reaching heights of 30-40 meters

640 kg/m³

0.64

14,000 MPa

52 MPa

Low, with minimal movement in service

Sheesham Wood

Medium to large

770 kg/m³

0.77

12,000 MPa

66 MPa

Moderate, with some potential for movement

Sal Wood

Large, with tall trunks.

750-830 kg/m³

0.75-0.83

13,800 MPa

65 MPa

Moderate, with some potential for movement

Mango Wood

Medium-sized

Approx 650-850 kg/m³

0.65-0.80

8,500-12,000 MPa

45-60 MPa

Moderate, with some potential for movement

Bamboo

Typically small to medium-sized grasses.

Varies by species

Varies by species

Varies by species

Varies by species

Generally Low

Sandalwood

Medium-sized

Approx 1,000 kg/m³

1.00

10,000-12,000 MPa

60-70 MPa

Moderate, with some potential for movement

Neem Wood

Medium to large

640-800 kg/m³

0.64-0.80

7,000-10,000 MPa

40-60 MPa

Moderate, with some potential for movement

Mahogany

Large, reaching heights of 30-40 meters (98-131 feet)

560-640 kg/m³

0.56-0.64

8,000-12,000 MPa

41-55 MPa

Moderate, with some potential for movement

These technical details provide a comprehensive overview of the physical properties and characteristics of the mentioned wood types in India. When choosing wood for your construction or woodworking projects, it's important to consider these factors to ensure that the selected wood aligns with your specific project requirements and performance expectations.


In conclusion, the diversity of wood types available in India offers a range of options for construction and woodworking projects. Each type of wood possesses distinct characteristics, making it suitable for specific applications. When choosing wood for your new home, consider factors such as durability, aesthetics, sustainability, and regional availability to ensure the best match for your project's needs. Sustainable forestry practices are essential to preserve these valuable resources for future generations and maintain India's rich woodworking heritage.

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