What wood types are suited for Indian constructions?

The types of wood that grow in India are best suited for construction applications.

Wood is a highly crucial material in any type of construction. Its age-old legacy endows it with a timelessness that is trusted by all for its durability, appearance and ease of usage. India’s rich biodiversity allows for various kinds of flora to thrive. So it is only natural to have a plethora of local wood types that can adapt admirably to the regional climate, making them especially ideal for Indian constructions. In this article, we will explore some types of wood that are widely used for construction across the country due to their specialised properties.

See also: All about timber cladding for homes

 

Teak

Location: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh

A classic choice for construction purposes, teakwood flaunts a rich golden-brown colour. It is highly durable and also possesses several virtuous properties, sich as natural oils and the ability to resist termites. It is widely used in construction applications involving dynamic and harsh usage, such as door frames, window frames and outdoor furniture and decking.

 

Sal

Location: Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh 

Sal is a commonly available hardwood used for various construction applications. It is known for its coarse texture, that also gives it a unique appearance, and excellent strength. Its construction applications include beams, rafters, door and window frames, and furniture.

 

Sheesham

Location: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan

Also known as Indian rosewood, sheesham is a dense and durable variety of wood, preferred for its distinct grain pattern. Its main applications in India include furniture, cabinets, flooring and decorative panels.

 

Deodar

Location: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir

This wood from the hills also often goes by the name Himalayan cedar. It flaunts a mellow hue with straight grain and natural resistance to decay. You can consider using this type for beams, window frames and outdoor construction. 

 

Sissoo

Location: Punjab, Uttar Pradesh

Sissoo is a local wood that is hard, tough and highly durable. Its distinct medium coarse texture makes it a popular choice for various ornamental applications. Doors, furniture, flooring and decorative items are some popular uses of this type of wood.

 

Mango wood

Location: All over India

Sustainable, easily available and convenient to work with, mango wood is a highly common type used for construction purposes across the country. Its unique grain pattern makes it a hit when it comes to furniture, cabinets and decorative carvings.

 

Mahogany

Location: Kerala, Karnataka

The crowd favourite when it comes to luxurious furniture, mahogany flaunts a rich reddish-brown colour with rich grain and medium texture. It is ideal to add elegance to furniture, door panels and decorative mouldings.

 

Pine

Location: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand 

The most commonly known type of hilly wood, pine is a softwood flaunting a pale yellow colour and straight grain. Its popular applications include framing, flooring, panelling and furniture building.

 

Bamboo

Location: Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya

Bamboo is a sustainable and fast-growing variety with a hollow, segmented structure. Super easy to work with, it is preferred for its unique touch it adds to spaces with ornamental applications. Common uses include flooring, wall panelling, scaffolding and decoration.

 

Neem

Location: All over India

Alongside the various medicinal properties of its leaves, neem is also highly valued for its high quality wood. Neem wood possesses a coarse texture and superior insect-repelling properties. It is commonly used to make doors, windows and outdoor elements in termite-prone regions.

 

Oak

Location: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Oak is a popular choice for construction applications as it is a strong hardwood flaunting a fine texture and distinct grain. Some common applications of oak are flooring, furniture-making, cabinets and staircases. 

 

Ash

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Ash is a commonly-used hardwood featuring a light colour and straight grain. While its most common application is in sports equipment and tool handles, it is also used to design specific furniture parts.

 

Maple

Location: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Unlike most hardwoods, maple features a fine texture and light colour, making it a distinctive choice for various applications. Common applications include flooring, cabinets, furniture and decorative items.

 

Chir pine

Location: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand 

Chir pine, with its straight grain and medium texture, is preferred for its resistance to termites. Therefore, it is commonly used to make beams, rafters, door and window frames and in outdoor construction. 

 

Cedar

Location: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir

Cedar is an aromatic wood featuring straight grain and natural insect-repelling properties. Among its common applications are closets, chests, decorative panelling and outdoor decking.

 

FAQs

What is the most durable wood for construction in India?

Teak is considered to be the most durable variety of wood and is often preferred for applications like door and window frames and outdoor decking.

Which wood is best for doors and windows in Indian homes?

Sal and deodar offer exceptional strength and resistance to decay, making them ideal for doors and windows.

What are sustainable wood options for construction in India?

Bamboo and mango wood are fast-growing and easily replenished, making them sustainable and versatile options.

Which wood types are resistant to termites in India?

Teak, neem and Chir pine are varieties that can resist termites exceptionally well. Neem wood particularly is highly valued for this property.

What is a cost-effective wood option for construction in India?

Pine is a softwood that is widely available and is a cost-effective option for framing, flooring and furniture.

Which wood is suitable for decorative purposes in Indian homes?

For ornamental purposes, wood with rich colours and distinct grain patterns, such as sheesham, mahogany and cedar, are often preferred.

Are there any woods suitable for construction in humid regions of India?

Teak and sal have the ability to resist moisture and fungal growth, making them suitable for outdoor construction in humid areas such as coastal regions.

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com
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