Teak, Sal & Sheesham Wood — Complete Guide
Indian construction has been built on three legendary hardwoods for centuries: Teak (Tectona grandis), Sal (Shorea robusta) and Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo / Indian Rosewood). From the ancient palaces of Rajasthan and Kerala to modern luxury villas, these natural timbers provide the structural strength and aesthetic warmth that define traditional Indian architecture.
Indian timber is governed by IS 883 (Code for Design of Structural Timber), IS 1141 (Code for Seasoning), IS 401 (Code for Preservation), IS 4978 (Code for Wooden Doors & Windows).
Overview of Three Premium Indian Hardwoods
| Wood | Botanical Name | Origin | Janka Hardness (lbf) |
|---|
| Burma Teak (Premium) | Tectona grandis | Myanmar, Andaman | 1000 – 1155 |
| CP Teak (Indian) | Tectona grandis | Central / South India | 950 – 1100 |
| African Teak | Tectona grandis (plantation) | West / East Africa | 880 – 1050 |
| Sal | Shorea robusta | North & East India | 1500 – 1820 |
| Sheesham / Indian Rosewood | Dalbergia sissoo | North India | 1660 – 1900 |
| Burma Padauk | Pterocarpus macrocarpus | Myanmar | 1725 |
| Indian Mahogany | Toona ciliata | India | 700 – 850 |
| Deodar | Cedrus deodara | Himalayas | 540 – 630 |
| Sissoo | Albizzia / variants | India | 1000 – 1400 |
| Babul / Kikar | Acacia nilotica | India | 2300 – 2500 |
| Mango Wood | Mangifera indica | India (plantation) | 1070 |
| Indian Walnut | Juglans regia | Kashmir | 1010 – 1220 |
Teak (Tectona grandis) — The King of Indian Timber
Why Teak is King
- Natural oils (tectoquinone) make it termite-proof, water-resistant, weather-resistant
- Beautiful golden-brown colour deepens with age
- Excellent grain pattern, polishes to high gloss
- Dimensionally stable (low shrinkage / swelling)
- Easy to work with (cut, plane, drill, join)
- Holds nails / screws / glue exceptionally well
- Used in Indian construction for 2000+ years (Konark Temple, Taj Mahal woodwork)
- Lifespan: 200+ years (Burma Teak doors in Kerala palaces still functional)
Teak Grades
| Grade | Origin | Quality / Use | Cost (Rs / cft) |
|---|
| Burma Teak (Old Growth) | Myanmar | Premium — tight grain, deep golden, oil-rich | 4,500 – 8,500 |
| Burma Teak (New Growth) | Myanmar plantation | Premium — lighter colour, good quality | 3,500 – 5,500 |
| Andaman Teak | Andaman Islands | Indian Burma equivalent | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| CP Teak (Premium) | Central Province India (Madhya Pradesh) | Premium Indian, deep colour | 2,500 – 4,500 |
| Nagpur Teak | Maharashtra | Good quality Indian teak | 2,200 – 3,800 |
| Malabar Teak | Kerala / Karnataka | Good Indian, tighter grain | 2,000 – 3,500 |
| Brazilian Teak | Brazil plantation | Fast-grown, lighter | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Ghana / African Teak | West Africa | Plantation, lower oil content | 1,200 – 2,200 |
| Indonesian Teak | Indonesia / Java | Plantation grade | 1,200 – 2,200 |
| Costa Rica Teak | Central America | Fastest-grown, budget | 1,000 – 1,800 |
Sal (Shorea robusta)
Properties of Sal Wood
- Heavier and harder than teak (Janka 1500–1800 lbf)
- Pale brown to reddish-brown colour
- Coarse grain, rough texture
- Excellent strength — high compressive and tensile strength
- Termite-resistant (natural resin)
- Weather and decay-resistant when properly seasoned
- Difficult to work (blunts tools, splits)
- Heavy weight makes furniture cumbersome
- Best for structural members, railway sleepers, beams, posts
- One of the most planted hardwoods in North & East India
- Lifespan: 75–100+ years in dry conditions
Uses of Sal
- Roof beams and rafters
- Columns and posts
- Railway sleepers (traditional)
- Bridge construction
- Heavy doors (entrance / temple doors)
- Boat building
- Mining timber
- Tool handles
- Religious carvings (temples)
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) — Indian Rosewood
Properties of Sheesham
- Beautiful golden-brown with dark streaks (similar to rosewood)
- Very hard (Janka 1660–1900 lbf) — among hardest commercial Indian wood
- Fine to medium grain, smooth texture
- Polishes to mirror-glossy finish
- Naturally termite and decay resistant
- Dimensionally stable
- Heavy weight (specific gravity 0.78–0.85)
- Highly prized for furniture and carving
- Excellent acoustic properties (musical instruments)
- Lifespan: 100+ years
Uses of Sheesham
- Premium furniture (sofas, dining sets, beds)
- Hand-carved decorative panels
- Musical instruments (harmonium, tabla)
- Veneers and inlays
- Door frames and panels
- Window frames
- Cabinet making
- Walking sticks, knife handles
- Religious carvings
- Premium turnery work
Detailed Comparison
| Property | Burma Teak | Sal | Sheesham |
|---|
| Specific Gravity | 0.66 | 0.75 | 0.80 |
| Janka Hardness (lbf) | 1000 – 1155 | 1500 – 1820 | 1660 – 1900 |
| Modulus of Rupture (MPa) | 97 – 130 | 120 – 145 | 110 – 135 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 12 – 14 | 14 – 16 | 12 – 13 |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | 53 – 65 | 65 – 75 | 65 – 75 |
| Shrinkage (Tangential) | ~5% | ~10% | ~6% |
| Natural Durability | Excellent (oil) | Good (resin) | Excellent (oil) |
| Termite Resistance | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Workability | Excellent | Difficult | Moderate |
| Glue Adhesion | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Finish / Polish | Excellent | Coarse | Excellent (high gloss) |
| Colour | Golden-brown | Pale brown / reddish | Golden brown with dark streaks |
| Grain | Straight / wavy, prominent | Straight / coarse | Interlocked / fine |
| Weight (kg/m³) | 660 – 720 | 800 – 880 | 770 – 850 |
| Cost (Rs / cft) | 2,500 – 8,500 | 1,200 – 2,200 | 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Best For | Doors, windows, furniture, marine | Beams, columns, structure | Premium furniture, carving |
Indian Timber Grading (IS 883)
| Grade | Description | Use |
|---|
| Select Grade | Highest quality, no defects | Premium furniture, exposed work |
| Grade I | Minor defects allowed (small knots) | Doors, windows, fine work |
| Grade II | Moderate defects (larger knots, slight warps) | General carpentry, framing |
| Grade III | Major defects (large knots, splits) | Concealed structural work |
Strength Grouping (IS 883)
| Group | Strength Range | Examples |
|---|
| Group A | Highest strength & durability | Sal, Babul, Indian Rosewood (Sheesham) |
| Group B | High strength | Burma Teak, Padauk |
| Group C | Moderate strength | Deodar, Mango, Indian Mahogany |
Standard Timber Sizes (Indian)
| Section | Standard Sizes (mm) | Use |
|---|
| Scantling / Beam | 50x100, 75x150, 100x200, 100x150 | Roof beams, rafters |
| Plank | 25x150, 50x200, 50x300 | Door panels, floor |
| Reaper / Batten | 25x50, 50x50, 50x75 | Frames, battens |
| Square Timber | 75x75, 100x100, 150x150, 200x200 | Posts, columns |
| Door Frame | 100x60, 125x75, 150x75 | Door chowkat |
| Window Frame | 100x60, 75x50, 100x50 | Window chowkat |
| Veneer (Decorative) | 0.5–3 mm thick x sheet | Plywood facing, furniture |
| Board (Wide) | 500–1200 mm wide x 25–75 mm | Table tops, bed planks |
| Length | 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 / 10 / 12 ft | Various |
1 cft (cubic foot) = 28.3168 litres = 0.0283 m³ | 1 m³ = 35.31 cft
Wood Seasoning (IS 1141)
Seasoning is the process of reducing moisture content from felled timber (typically 70–100%) to a stable level (10–18% for indoor use). Properly seasoned wood resists warping, cracking, fungal attack and termite infestation.
| Method | Time | Cost | Quality |
|---|
| Air Seasoning (Natural) | 6 – 18 months | Low | Good (slow drying) |
| Kiln Seasoning | 3 – 15 days | Medium-High | Excellent (controlled) |
| Solar Seasoning | 1 – 6 weeks | Low | Good |
| Chemical Seasoning | 1 – 4 weeks | Medium | Good |
| Boiling / Steaming | 1 – 4 hr (then dry) | Medium | Quick but may stain |
| Electrical Seasoning | Hours | High | Excellent |
Recommended Moisture Content for Indian Climate
| Application | Moisture Content (%) |
|---|
| Furniture (AC interior) | 8 – 12% |
| Doors / Windows (interior) | 10 – 15% |
| Doors / Windows (exterior) | 12 – 18% |
| Roof Structures | 15 – 20% |
| Construction (general) | 15 – 22% |
Wood Preservation (IS 401)
Even naturally durable woods like teak benefit from preservation treatment, especially for sapwood (the lighter coloured outer rings) which is more vulnerable.
Preservation Methods
- Pressure Treatment (Vacuum): Most effective, deep penetration. CCA, ACQ chemicals.
- Hot & Cold Bath: Boil in preservative, then cool
- Brush / Spray Coating: Surface treatment
- Dipping: Short immersion in solution
Common Preservatives
- Boron Compounds (Borax, Boric Acid) — safe, anti-termite
- Copper-Chrome-Arsenic (CCA) — very effective, restricted now
- Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) — modern eco-friendly
- Copper Azole (CuAz)
- Creosote — railway sleepers (outdoor)
- ZinCol (Zinc + Coal Tar) — traditional
Identifying Real Teak (Avoiding Fakes)
| Test | Real Teak | Fake Teak |
|---|
| Colour | Golden-brown, deepens with age | Painted / stained, fades |
| Smell | Distinctive leather-like aroma | No smell or chemical |
| Touch (Oil Feel) | Slightly oily, smooth | Dry, rough |
| Weight | Heavy (660–720 kg/m³) | Variable, often lighter |
| Water Drop Test | Water beads up (oil) | Absorbs quickly |
| Grain | Prominent, wavy or straight | Uniform, painted |
| End Grain (Pores) | Large open pores | Closed / artificial |
| Cut Section | Same colour throughout | Surface stain only |
| Burn Test (small chip) | Black smoke, leather smell | White smoke, chemical smell |
Applications
Teak Applications
- Premium doors and windows (Burma Teak)
- Window frames and shutters
- Furniture (dining, sofa, bedroom)
- Boats and ships (marine grade)
- Outdoor garden furniture
- Carved decorative panels
- Wooden flooring (solid teak)
- Staircase parts
- Veneers (decorative)
- Temple woodwork
- Heritage restoration
- Cabinet making
Sal Applications
- Roof beams and trusses
- Columns and pillars
- Railway sleepers
- Bridge decking
- Heavy doors (entrance, temple)
- Mining timber
- Tool handles, ploughs
- Boat building
- Heavy furniture (rural)
Sheesham Applications
- Premium furniture (Jodhpur, Saharanpur style)
- Hand-carved panels
- Musical instruments
- Decorative veneers
- Cabinets, wardrobes
- Dining tables, chairs
- Beds, headboards
- Door frames (interior)
- Mandir / temple work
- Turnery (legs, balusters)
Cost (Approximate, Indian Market — per cft)
| Wood Type | Cost Range (Rs/cft) |
|---|
| Burma Teak (Old Growth, Premium) | 6,500 – 9,500 |
| Burma Teak (New Growth) | 4,000 – 6,500 |
| Andaman Teak | 3,500 – 5,500 |
| CP Teak (Premium Indian) | 2,800 – 4,800 |
| Nagpur / Malabar Teak | 2,200 – 4,000 |
| Ghana / African Teak | 1,400 – 2,500 |
| Brazilian / Costa Rica Teak | 1,200 – 2,200 |
| Sal (Premium grade) | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Sal (Standard) | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Sheesham (Premium) | 2,500 – 3,800 |
| Sheesham (Standard) | 1,800 – 2,800 |
| Indian Mahogany | 1,500 – 2,800 |
| Deodar | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Mango Wood | 700 – 1,200 |
| Indian Walnut | 2,800 – 4,500 |
| Pine (Imported) | 900 – 1,500 |
Standard Door / Window Cost (Approximate)
| Item | Burma Teak | CP Teak | Sheesham | Sal |
|---|
| Door Frame (standard) | Rs 8,000 – 15,000 | Rs 5,500 – 9,000 | Rs 6,500 – 11,000 | Rs 4,500 – 7,500 |
| Door Shutter | Rs 15,000 – 35,000 | Rs 10,000 – 22,000 | Rs 12,000 – 28,000 | Rs 8,500 – 18,000 |
| Window Frame (4 ft) | Rs 5,500 – 9,000 | Rs 3,500 – 6,000 | Rs 4,500 – 7,500 | Rs 3,000 – 5,500 |
| Window Shutter (4 ft) | Rs 5,500 – 12,000 | Rs 4,000 – 8,500 | Rs 5,000 – 10,500 | Rs 3,500 – 7,000 |
Advantages of Solid Wood
- Natural warmth and beauty
- Stronger than engineered alternatives
- Repairable (sandable / refinishable)
- 100+ year lifespan with proper maintenance
- Adds property resale value (heritage premium)
- Acoustic absorption (quiet)
- Renewable resource (FSC certified options)
- Carbon-sequestering (eco-friendly)
- Improves with age (patina development)
- Can be hand-carved for custom designs
- Excellent insulator (thermal + sound)
- Unmatched aesthetic for premium homes
- Cultural / heritage value in Indian context
- Each piece unique
Disadvantages
- Higher cost than engineered wood
- Susceptible to termite without treatment
- Expansion / contraction with humidity
- Requires seasoning before use (4–18 months)
- Quality varies by source / batch
- Heavy (high weight)
- Skilled carpenters needed
- Forest depletion concerns
- Slow growth (regeneration time)
- Counterfeiting (fake teak)
- Knots and natural defects
- Splits if dried too fast
- Fire hazard (combustible)
- Periodic re-polishing needed
Common Defects in Timber
| Defect | Cause | Effect |
|---|
| Knots | Branch points | Weak spots, aesthetic |
| Shakes (cracks) | Drying stress | Reduces strength |
| Warp / Cup / Bow | Uneven drying | Distorted shape |
| Splits | End-grain drying | Loss of length |
| Sap stain (Blue stain) | Fungal attack | Colour disfigurement |
| Rot / Decay | Fungal in moisture | Loss of strength |
| Termite holes | Insect attack | Structural failure |
| Borer holes | Pinhole borers | Cosmetic + weak |
| Pitch pockets | Resin accumulation | Sticky areas |
| Wane | Bark inclusion at edge | Reduces usable size |
| Compression / Tension Wood | Reaction wood | Distortion on drying |
Best Practices
- Always specify seasoned timber with moisture content tested
- Buy from FSC-certified or government-approved sources
- Inspect wood for cracks, knots, sapwood, termite holes
- For doors / windows, use Grade I or Select Grade
- For structural use, follow IS 883 strength grading
- Specify Burma Teak / Andaman Teak for marine / external use
- CP / Nagpur Teak for internal premium use
- Treat all wood with anti-termite preservative
- Apply melamine / PU polish to seal pores
- Use stainless steel / brass fasteners (prevents rust stains)
- Provide expansion gaps in door panels
- Maintain RH 35–65% in storage / installation area
- Re-polish woodwork every 3–5 years
- Avoid placing solid wood furniture in direct sunlight
- Treat sapwood (lighter colour edges) specially
- For exterior doors, use marine-grade adhesive and finish
- Buy in summer (lower moisture content)
- Verify with bill / certificate of origin
- Specify minimum number of growth rings per inch (8+ for premium)
- Avoid wood with bark inclusion or pitch pockets
Applicable Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|
| IS 883 | Code of Practice for Design of Structural Timber in Building |
| IS 1141 | Code for Seasoning of Timber |
| IS 401 | Code for Preservation of Timber |
| IS 287 | Recommendations for Maximum Permissible Moisture Content |
| IS 4978 | Wooden Flush Doors — Specification |
| IS 1003 (Parts 1 & 2) | Timber Panelled and Glazed Shutters |
| IS 2754 | Specification for Sawing of Indian Hardwoods |
| IS 6534 | Code of Practice for Sound Insulation of Buildings |
| IS 1124 | Specification for Method of Test for Wood |
| IS 13715 | Glossary of Forestry Terms |
| BIS Forest Certification | Sustainable Forest Management |
| FSC | Forest Stewardship Council (international) |
Conclusion
Teak, Sal and Sheesham represent the foundation of Indian construction timber tradition. Each has unique strengths:
- Burma Teak — Premium choice for doors, windows, marine work, luxury furniture (Rs 4,500–8,500/cft)
- CP / Indian Teak — Mid-premium choice with similar properties (Rs 2,500–4,500/cft)
- Sal — Structural workhorse for beams, columns, roof trusses (Rs 1,200–2,500/cft)
- Sheesham — Premium for carved furniture and decorative work (Rs 1,800–3,800/cft)
Always insist on properly seasoned, preservative-treated timber from FSC-certified or government-approved sources. For engineered alternatives that use thin teak veneer over plywood cores, see plywood, MDF/HDF boards and flush doors. For modern non-wood alternatives, see WPC/PVC doors, UPVC windows, aluminium windows, or fiber & steel doors.