There are a number of types of wood that are often used for many constructions and woodworking projects and Sheesham wood happens to be one of them.
Be that as it may, many may still ask, what is Sheesham wood? To someone who is not that familiar with the specifics when it comes to wood construction or projects, this is an interesting query that needs to be answered. In this article, I will assist you in finding the answer to the question of what is Sheesham wood.
In addition to that, I will also go through a few of the essential details about Sheesham wood as well as some of the tips on how to properly care for it.
Table of Contents
What Is Sheesham Wood?
To straightforwardly answer the question of what is Sheesham wood, it is a type of wood that comes from a tree that locally grows in India and the Sub-Himalayan areas.
This tree is referred to as the Indian Rosewood or also known as Dalbergia Sissoo. However, it can also thrive in other areas like the US, Africa, and Australia. This tree, which is the source of the Sheesham wood, is known by many names.
It is also referred to as the Sheesham tree, Indian Dalbergia, Himalaya Raintree, Shisham, Shishan, Sissoo, and Penny Leaf Tree.
It is known to achieve a height of 10 to 15 meters when in dry areas. And in wet regions, it can reach the height of 30 meters at full growth. Aside from being the source of this wood, this tree also has more to offer.
The locals often use its twigs for oral care or to clean their teeth. It is also a source of medicine for treating stomach problems as well as skin issues.
Characteristics Of Sheesham Wood
Sheesham is a hard type of wood that has a medium texture. It can easily be worked with and cut due to its straight grain pattern.
It is very tough which makes it suitable for furniture making or any kind of solid wood project. This wood has many characteristics which you may need to know. This includes the following:
1. Appearance
Sheesham wood features colors that are often times golden brown. In some cases, you will also see it as a deep reddish-brown in color.
The dark streaks on it add beauty which makes it ideal for pieces of solid wood furniture as it showcases its natural wood markings. It has interlocked grains and is also tough and hard.
2. Workability
Sheesham wood is known for its workability since it works well with any type of finishing, glues, and different machinery. It is also dense, heavy, and has superior strength.
This characteristic makes the Sheesham wood ideal for furniture.
It is also a popular material used for wood carving. Nonetheless, it can produce chalky deposits that can affect cutters.
3. Durability
When it comes to durability, the Sheesham wood does not come short. This wood is known to be resistant to dry-wood termites.
It is hard and tough, thus it does not easily split or warp. This is the reason why it is commonly used for cabinets.
The Sheesham wood is also known to have a high resistance to natural decay.
Nevertheless, you should always check for any beetle eggs since it is susceptible to wood-boring beetles.
Benefits Of Sheesham Wood
To know more about Sheesham wood, here are some of the benefits you can get from it.
Antiseptic Properties
This type of wood is known to have antiseptic properties that fight against germs and bacteria. It can also help in removing toxins from the body.
Healthy Teeth
Sheesham wood twigs are popularly used for oral care. They can remove bacteria from the mouth and promote healthy teeth.
Soap-Making Property
Sheesham wood is known to have a soap-making property. A study shows that this wood has properties that can turn lye into soap.
Resin
Sheesham wood is also rich in resin. The amount of resin produced by this wood can be as high as 5%.
This property is what makes the Sheesham wood a good source of turpentine and varnish. As such, it is used for candle-making and soap-making as well as creating dyes that are often used in India.
Easy to Maintain
Sheesham wood is easy to clean and maintain. You can simply use a dry or damp cloth to wipe away dust from the surface of your furniture piece made from Sheesham. When it comes to polishing, you can use any type of polish on the market.
Higher Density
The density of the Sheesham wood is at least three times higher than most common woods. It has a hardness that is close to Teak and Oak, but it does not retain natural oils like these two.
Three Times Stronger Than Oak
The density of the Sheesham wood makes it three times stronger than Oak of the same thickness. It is very strong and not easily deformed or affected by moisture.
Environmentally Friendly
Sheesham wood is an environmentally friendly material. People who cut down Sheesham trees are not allowed to cut down anymore. Instead, they are encouraged to plant new ones to keep the forest eco-friendly.
Good Drying
Sheesham wood has a good drying property that makes it an important material for craftsmen who make furniture like dining table, coffee table or other items made from wood. These craftsmen make use of Sheesham wood because of its good resistance against decay.
Bamboo Style Flooring
To give you more options when it comes to choosing Sheesham wood, here’s another tip: you can use it for bamboo-style flooring. The light golden color of the wood closely resembles that of bamboo. So instead of getting an actual bamboo flooring, consider having a Sheesham one.
Sheesham Wood Care And Maintenance
To know more about the Sheesham wood care, here are some useful tips you can follow:
- Although the Sheesham wood does not easily warp, it is still important that you do not expose it to extreme temperatures. Avoid placing furniture made from Sheesham wood close to fireplaces or in direct sunlight.
- To avoid staining the surface or leaving marks on your Sheesham furniture, always make use of coasters or heatproof mats before placing hot items on top of it.
- If in case you are planning to place ornaments on top of your Sheesham furniture, make sure to cover it first with a soft covering.
- This simple step will prevent any scratches or scrapes from forming on your Sheesham furniture.
- It is also important to dust your Sheesham furniture regularly.
- Dust can often settle in the nooks and crannies of furniture and in turn, makes it look unpleasant. You can use a duster or wipe off the dust using a rag or a piece of cloth.
- Another tip is to polish your Sheesham furniture regularly. As recommended, you can do polishing thrice in one year.
You can opt for any type of furniture polish or spray for this process. Apply an ample amount of polish then rub it gently with the use of a dust cloth.
Once done with the polish application, you can give it a good shine by buffing it using a lint-free cloth.
Sheesham Wood Vs. Parawood
There are a lot of para wood furniture pieces you can buy out there. But before making a purchase, make sure to consider Sheesham wood.
Sheesham furniture is not only good-looking, but it is also sturdy and durable. This material does not easily warp or split, which makes it perfect for heavy-duty furniture.
Another thing you’ll love about Sheesham furniture is that they are Eco-friendly. If you’re looking to buy furniture that is not only good-looking but also Eco-friendly, then Sheesham wood might just be the perfect choice for you.
Sheesham Wood Vs. Oak Wood
One of the most common comparisons when it comes to Sheesham wood and Oak wood furniture is their durability.
However, if you take a look at the strength and weight of Sheesham wood, it becomes apparent that Oak is not the only option when you’re looking for a sturdy material.
Even if Oak wood furniture is already popular, you have other options that are just as durable. So instead of falling for the crowd, why not try something new instead?
Moreover, Sheesham wood has a light golden color which makes it look unique and exquisite. You can easily find cheap Sheesham furniture pieces that are just as beautiful and pricey Oak wood ones.
Sheesham Wood Vs. Teak Wood
Teak wood furniture is best known for its natural resistance against different elements. However, the quality of Teak wood comes at a high price tag.
This is why a lot of homeowners opt to have furniture made from Sheesham wood because not only is it sturdy and durable, but also affordable.
Although Teak wood furniture is durable, it is vulnerable to insects and termites that can cause the wood to warp or split. If you want a sturdy alternative that’s just as durable, go with Sheesham instead.
Sheesham Wood Vs. mango wood
Mango wood furniture is a popular choice for a lot of homeowners. Although mango wood is known for its unique color, this type of material can easily crack or split when it becomes dry.
Another issue with mango wood furniture is that they are prone to staining and exposure to high humidity levels can cause the surface to peel off or warp.
On the other hand, you can prevent Sheesham furniture from splitting or cracking even if it becomes dry. This material is resistant to insects and water damage which makes it perfect for high-humidity areas.
Frequently Asked Question:
Is Sheesham Wood Good For Furniture?
This type of wood is a popular choice for making Indian-style furniture. It has a good resistance against decay and it does not warp or crack easily. With proper maintenance, a piece of Sheesham wood furniture can last up to 150 years.
Is Sheesham Wood Good For Floors?
Yes. It is an excellent choice for flooring, especially if you want a material that can give your home a natural look.
What Kind of Polish Is Used For Sheesham Wood?
This type of wood can easily release oil, which means it should be used with all-natural oil polish. Mineral or paraffin wax should never be used as a polish for Sheesham wood pieces.
Is Sheesham wood waterproof?
Sheesham wood is water-resistant. However, it absorbs moisture and expands when exposed to high humidity levels. This material can easily warp or split if it becomes dry and this will cause problems with your wooden furniture pieces as well as the flooring underneath them.
What is the Speciality of Sheesham wood?
Sheesham wood is one of the most common choices when it comes to Indian-style furniture. It is also known for its durability and resistance against decay and termites. However, Sheesham does not hold polish well and its oil can easily be released which means that all-natural oil should be used instead of mineral wax or paraffin wax.
Is Sheesham wood good for outdoor?
Yes. Sheesham wood is water-resistant but it absorbs moisture easily which means that you have to use a specific type of oil polish that will not repel water.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Sheesham wood is a type of wood that comes from the tree referred to as Indian Rosewood or Dalbergia Sissoo.
It is known as a highly durable and tough type of wood and is often used as a go-to material for furniture, cabinets, musical instruments, and even wood carvings.
Aside from these remarkable features, the Sheesham wood is also known for its durability since it has a high resistance to natural decay as well as from dry-wood termites.
Overall, the Sheesham wood is one of the most dependable types of wood that are commonly used for various wood projects due to its excellent features.
Did this article able to address your question of what is Sheesham wood? Were you able to learn vital things about Sheesham wood as well as its uses?
Do you have other ideas that might be related to this topic? Feel free to let me know your thoughts and opinions by leaving your comment below.
