Wood Types in India – What You Need to Know

Ever wondered why some furniture feels sturdier while other pieces are light and easy to work with? The answer often lies in the type of wood behind it. India’s forests and plantations give us a huge mix of hardwoods and softwoods, each with its own story and best use. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common Indian timber choices, what makes them special, and how to pick the right one for your project.

Common Hardwoods Used in Indian Construction

Hardwoods are the go‑to when you need strength, durability, and a premium look. Here are the top three you’ll see on site:

Tiger Wood (Santalum sp.) – Dark grain, high density, and natural resistance to termites. Builders love it for doors, flooring, and heavy‑duty furniture. It’s pricey, but the finish lasts decades.

Shrub Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) – Light‑brown with a straight grain that’s easy to machine. It’s a favorite for cabinets, tables, and railway sleepers. You’ll find it in most markets across northern India.

Teak (Tectona grandis) – The superstar of Indian hardwoods. Thick, oily, and weather‑proof, teak is perfect for outdoor furniture, boat decks, and high‑end interiors. It grows mainly in the Western Ghats, so genuine teak can be a bit hard to source.

If you’re budgeting, consider Sal (Shorea robusta). It’s abundant in central India, offers good strength, and works well for structural beams and flooring. It’s not as fancy as teak, but it holds up nicely.

Softwoods and Sustainable Options

Softwoods are lighter, easier to cut, and usually cheaper. They’re great for interior paneling, fixtures, and DIY projects where you don’t need extreme load‑bearing capacity.

Deodar (Cedrus deodara) – Known for its pleasant scent, deodar is common in Himachal and Uttarakhand. It’s used for doors, windows, and decorative trims. It’s relatively soft, so it’s not ideal for heavy floors.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus grandis) – Fast‑growing plantations in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh make this a sustainable choice. It’s used for plywood, partitions, and lightweight furniture. The grain is uniform, making it easy to glue and finish.

Mangrove (Avicennia marina) – Growing along coastal regions, mangrove wood is naturally resistant to water and rot. People use it for marine applications, bridge pilings, and outdoor decks.

When sustainability matters, look for certified plantation timber. The Indian government offers incentives for growers who follow the National Forest Policy, so you’ll often find a label like “FSC‑certified” on the packaging.

Choosing the right wood isn’t just about looks. Think about the environment it’ll face, the load it’ll carry, and your budget. A quick tip: always check the moisture content before buying. Wood with too much moisture will warp later, costing you time and money.

Need a reliable supplier? Most major Indian cities have timber markets – Khadi in Delhi, Koyambedu in Chennai, and Dharamshala in Mumbai. Visit a few stalls, feel the grain, and ask about the source. A trustworthy dealer will show you a certificate or a plantation ID.

Bottom line: India offers a rich palette of wood types, from rugged teak to fast‑growing eucalyptus. Pick the one that fits your project’s strength, look, and budget, and you’ll end up with a product that lasts and looks great.