Sheesham wood is the second most valuable wood in India after Teak.
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What is Sheesham wood?
Sheesham is a deciduous tree found in the Indian subcontinent. It is mostly grown in the Himalayan region that extends from River Indus to Assam. Sheesham Forests are also found inWest Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Other names that are used to refer to Sheesham include; Dalbergia Sisso, Indian Rosewood, and Shishan among others. If you want to know about mango wood, to browse this article
This is due to its numerous applications apart from supplying timber. It is planted along canals, tea plantations, and even roadsides.
The tree best grows on altitudes of 900 meters above sea level and in temperatures that range from 10°C to 40°C. With regards to rainfall, Sheesham withstands up to 2,000 mm and drought duration of not more than four months. It flourishes in gravel or sandy soils.
Characteristics of Sheesham Wood
Appearance
Sheesham woods’ color ranges from golden to dark brown with a lustrous appearance, some may be reddish-brown with interlocked dark grains. The texture varies from coarse to medium
Durability
The wood is hard thus resistant to insects like the wood termites. Again it does not split or warp; a reason why it’s most suitable for making furniture. Consequently, it’s decay-resistant. The only downside is that it attracts wood-boring beetles thus should be checked often to ensure its free of beetles or beetle eggs.
Workability
When working, this wood responds well to machinery. The wood is heavy and dense making it suitable for durable furniture and carvings.
Benefits of Sheesham wood
Because its hardwood, Sawing Sheesham Wood may be slightly challenging this though makes it good for turnery
It has a smooth finish and shines on polishing. Hand waxing gives It a smooth finish
It’s very durable and offers resistance to wood termites. It also doesn’t split nor warp; a reason why it’s preferred for cabinets and furniture.
In India, it’s a popular wood for engraving and wood carving because it’s resistant to decay. It also makes doors and windows with its root making tobacco pipes
Sheesham Wood is also essential in aircraft and marine applications. It consequently makes musical instruments, sporting goods, and ornamental turnery
What makes Sheesham different from others?
Compared to other types of wood e.g. heartwood and Parawood, Sheesham distinguishes itself because of the following;
It’s denser with smooth and attractive surfaces that do not scratch or corrode easily
Sheesham is cheaper compared to other types of wood like Teak. Its color is reddish or golden brown while the rest are mostly white, brownish-white, or pale
With wood grains and double colors, it looks more exquisite. It has low resistance to water due to its lower oil content
Because of the above features, Sheesham wood has gained international recognition. Its furniture is quality, decay-resistant, cheaper, and can last for generations. Other than furniture it also makes veneers, boats, plywood, musical instruments et cetera.
Why Buy Sheesham Furniture?
Indian Sheesham wood (Indian Rosewood) is becoming more and more popular the world over for its use in beautiful hardwood furniture. Its unique appearance with an attractive close grain, coupled with its natural resilience and affordability make it a great choice for use in the home.
Handcrafted in India by skilled craftsmen, Sheesham furniture is very popular in more modern ranges such as “cube” style furniture with its beautiful grain patterns lending itself perfectly to hard lines and large flat surfaces. Another, more traditional look is the popular “Jali” style which features hand-wrought ironwork and a more rustic eastern design influence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Colour is Sheesham wood?
Is Sheesham wood water resistant?
Is Sheesham wood furniture good?
