Top 15 Types of Wood for Furniture In India

Furniture plays a crucial role in defining your home’s aesthetics and functionality. Choosing the right wood for your furniture is key to ensuring durability and style. In India, there are many types of wood for furniture, each with its unique features, uses, and benefits.

In this article, we will explore the top 15 types of wood for furniture in India and why they’re an excellent choice for your interiors and outdoors.

1. Teak Wood

Popular Name in India: Sagwan.

Teak is one of the most popular types of wood for furniture in India. It is renowned for its strength and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it a favorite for both traditional and modern furniture.

Advantages:

Teak is extremely durable and strong, ensuring that furniture lasts for decades.
Its natural oils make it highly resistant to termites, pests, and water damage, requiring minimal maintenance.
It does not warp or crack easily, even in extreme weather conditions.

Uses:

Teak wood is widely used in crafting indoor furniture such as sofas, dining tables, and chairs.
Its water-resistant properties make it ideal for outdoor furniture, including garden benches and patio sets.
Teak’s smooth finish and rich color lend an elegant and luxurious appearance to any space.

2. Rosewood

Popular Name in India: Sheesham.

Rosewood, or Sheesham, is celebrated for its vibrant color and distinct grain patterns. This hardwood is a popular choice for both utility and decorative furniture pieces.

Advantages:

The dense and heavy structure of Rosewood ensures resistance to wear and tear, making it highly durable.
It is naturally resistant to termites and decay, making it low maintenance.
Rosewood takes polish well, enhancing its natural grain and giving furniture a shiny, refined look.

Uses:

It is commonly used for crafting beds, dining tables, and cabinets.
Its rich grain and smooth texture make it ideal for intricate carvings and decorative furniture.
Rosewood is also used in making musical instruments and wooden flooring.

3. Sandalwood

Popular Name in India: Chandan.

Sandalwood is a premium wood known for its distinct fragrance and fine texture. It holds a special place in Indian homes for its cultural and aesthetic value.

Advantages:

Sandalwood is incredibly durable, resisting weather changes and pests.
Its aromatic properties add a soothing and luxurious ambiance to interiors.
The wood retains its fragrance for years, making it a favorite for decorative and heirloom furniture.

Uses:

Sandalwood is used to craft small furniture pieces, religious idols, and ornamental artifacts.
It is also preferred for creating decorative panels and carvings.

4. Sal Wood

Popular Name in India: Sal.

Sal wood is known for its robustness and affordability. This hardwood is widely used in construction and furniture-making due to its strength.

Advantages:

Sal wood is resistant to termites, fungi, and decay, ensuring long-lasting furniture.
It is one of the most affordable hardwoods available in India, making it budget-friendly.
The wood has excellent load-bearing capacity, which adds to its strength and stability.

Uses:

Sal wood is commonly used for constructing bed frames, doors, and window frames.
It is also used in making heavy-duty furniture like wardrobes and tables.

5. Sheesham Wood

Popular Name in India: Sheesham.

Sheesham is another name for Indian Rosewood and is a highly versatile wood for furniture. Its natural grain pattern and durability make it a favorite for various applications.

Advantages:

Sheesham wood features a unique grain pattern that enhances its aesthetic appeal.
It is highly resistant to decay, termites, and warping, ensuring longevity.
The wood’s smooth texture makes it easy to polish, allowing a shiny and refined finish.

Uses:

It is widely used for making dining tables, beds, chairs, and cabinets.
Sheesham wood is also used in decorative carvings and intricate designs.

6. Mango Wood

Popular Name in India: Aam.

Mango wood is an eco-friendly option as it comes from mango trees that have stopped bearing fruit. It is a sturdy yet budget-friendly choice for furniture.

Advantages:

Lightweight but durable, mango wood is an excellent choice for functional furniture.
It has a unique grain pattern that adds character to furniture pieces.
The wood is easy to work with, making it ideal for customized designs.

Uses:

Commonly used for crafting coffee tables, chairs, and storage units.
Its affordability makes it a preferred choice for rustic and vintage-style furniture.

7. Mahogany

Popular Name in India: Mahogany.

Mahogany is a premium hardwood that is valued for its smooth surface, deep reddish-brown color, and excellent durability.

Advantages:

Mahogany is resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, making it ideal for long-lasting furniture.
It is easy to carve and polish, giving furniture a luxurious and elegant finish.
The wood’s fine grain pattern enhances its visual appeal.

Uses:

Commonly used in making high-end furniture like wardrobes, cabinets, and office desks.
Mahogany is also a popular choice for crafting musical instruments and decorative pieces.

8. Acacia Wood

Popular Name in India: Babul.

Acacia is a hardwood that is known for its durability and natural resistance to pests and moisture. It is an excellent choice for furniture and home decor.

Advantages:

Acacia wood is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and water, ensuring durability.
Its affordability makes it a practical option for budget-conscious buyers.
The wood’s natural golden color and grain pattern enhance its beauty.

Uses:

Ideal for making dining sets, coffee tables, and outdoor furniture.
Acacia is also used in flooring and decorative panels.

9. Walnut Wood

Popular Name in India: Akhrot.

Walnut wood is admired for its dark, rich tones and sophisticated appearance. It is a popular choice for luxury furniture.

Advantages:

Walnut wood is strong, dense, and resistant to decay, making it ideal for long-term use.
The wood’s smooth texture and natural sheen add a touch of elegance to furniture.
It can withstand carving and intricate detailing, making it perfect for decorative pieces.

Uses:

Walnut is often used for crafting luxury furniture like dining tables, beds, and cabinets.
It is also used in creating intricate carvings and heirloom-quality items.

10. Bamboo

Popular Name in India: Bans.

Bamboo is a sustainable and lightweight material widely used for furniture and decor in India.

Advantages:

Bamboo is eco-friendly and highly renewable, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
Despite its lightweight nature, bamboo is surprisingly strong and durable.
It is resistant to pests and moisture, ensuring longevity.

Uses:

Bamboo is used to make chairs, tables, beds, and even outdoor furniture.
Its flexibility makes it ideal for creating unique designs and decor items.

11. Pine Wood

Popular Name in India: Pine.

Pine wood is a softwood that is valued for its lightweight and easy-to-work-with properties. It is a popular choice for functional furniture.

Advantages:

Pine wood is affordable, making it an economical option for many households.
The wood resists shrinking and swelling, ensuring furniture retains its shape over time.
Its light color and smooth texture make it easy to paint or stain.

Uses:

Pine wood is commonly used in children’s furniture, bookshelves, and storage units.
It is also preferred for crafting rustic-style furniture.

12. Cedar Wood

Popular Name in India: Deodar.

Cedar wood is known for its natural resistance to pests and its aromatic properties. It is a durable and attractive choice for furniture.

Advantages:

Cedar wood is naturally resistant to decay, termites, and moisture.
Its pleasant aroma acts as a natural pest repellent, making it perfect for storage furniture.
The wood is lightweight yet strong, ensuring durability.

Uses:

Cedar is often used for crafting wardrobes, storage chests, and decorative furniture.
It is also used for lining closets and creating panels.

13. Rubber Wood

Popular Name in India: Rubber.

Rubber wood is a sustainable and economical choice for furniture. It is derived from rubber trees that no longer produce latex.

Advantages:

Rubber wood is resistant to cracks and warping, ensuring long-lasting furniture.
Its smooth surface allows for easy finishing and painting.
The wood is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to handle.

Uses:

Rubber wood is commonly used for dining tables, chairs, and other functional furniture.
It is also a popular choice for crafting laminated boards and kitchen furniture.

14. Jackfruit Wood

Popular Name in India: Kathal.

Jackfruit wood is a durable and underrated option for furniture in India. It is known for its fine texture and resistance to decay.

Advantages:

The wood is strong, durable, and resistant to termites and pests.
It has a fine texture and natural golden color, adding a warm look to furniture.
Jackfruit wood is easy to work with, making it ideal for customized designs.

Uses:

Commonly used for cabinets, beds, and decorative items.
It is also used in crafting musical instruments.

15. Neem Wood

Popular Name in India: Neem.

Neem wood is a sturdy and sustainable option for furniture. It is widely used in India for its durability and natural pest-resistant properties.

Advantages:

Neem wood is naturally resistant to termites, pests, and fungi, ensuring long-lasting furniture.
It is affordable, making it accessible for various households.
The wood’s anti-bacterial properties add to its uniqueness.

Uses:

Neem wood is ideal for crafting beds, bookshelves, and cabinets.
It is also used in making traditional and rustic-style furniture.

Why Choose Wooden Furniture for Interiors and Outdoors?

Wooden furniture is timeless and adds warmth to any space. It’s versatile and complements various interior styles. Here are some reasons why you should consider wooden furniture:

Durability: Wood lasts for decades when maintained well.
Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances the look of your interiors with its natural beauty.
Eco-friendly: Many types of wood for furniture, like mango and rubber wood, are sustainable.
Customizable: Easy to carve, polish, and customize according to your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of wood for furniture in India depends on your budget, style, and purpose. From the luxurious teak and rosewood to the eco-friendly mango and bamboo, each type offers unique benefits. Wooden furniture is not just durable but also elevates the aesthetic of your interiors and outdoors. MRS Woodcraft specializes in creating high-quality wooden furniture tailored to your needs, ensuring beauty and longevity in every piece.