What is Sheesham wood?

Sheesham wood, also known as Indian Rosewood or Dalbergia sisso, is a deciduous tree, native to the Indian Subcontinent. After teak, it is the most important cultivated timber tree of the Punjab, which is the largest producer of Sheesham timber in Pakistan and India. Aside from timber supply, the tree is planted on roadsides, along canals and to provide welcome, natural shade for tea plantations.

Why does Sheesham wood make good furniture?

Sheesham wood has a beautiful irregular grain structure which is very distinctive in appearance and can be polished to a fine finish. The timber itself is strong and durable, maintaining its shape well during handling and construction. Given this strength and density, it is also an ideal material for decorative carvings and can be easily seasoned for future stability.

At TimberCraft, we have been working directly with manufacturers in northern India for over a decade, specialising in Sheesham wood furniture. All our timber is sustainably sourced through Government-managed plantations. It is methodically kiln-dried and treated to protect its future stability before production begins. Each piece of TimberCraft's Sheesham furniture is crafted from both the dark heartwood and the lighter-coloured sapwood of the tree. A stain is selectively applied to obtain a consistent tone before the entire piece is waxed by hand to enhance its grain. As every piece of furniture is hand finished from an entirely natural product, variations in knots, grain detailing, mineral deposits and minor imperfections may sometimes occur. These are considered part of the uniqueness and charm of the furniture.

An interesting fact!

Aside from being used for furniture, Sheesham wood is often used to make Khartals – the hand-held percussion instrument used by traditional Rajasthani folk musicians.