Amid this diversity in a range of modern styling of furniture, one thing that has always remained evergreen for decades is wooden furniture. Wood has always been a sign of classic and vintage elevation that adds richness to each corner of your home.
In India, where craftsmanship thrives amidst cultural diversity, wood remains a cherished medium. Combining traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, Indian artisans create furniture that exudes both sophistication and uniqueness.
Let's explore the plethora of wood choices available in the Indian market, each boasting its own distinct colors, textures, and shapes.
Why go for Wooden Furniture?
There are many reasons to consider wooden furniture due to its numerous qualities and some of them are-:
Durability: Wood is one of the most long-lasting pieces of furniture once used. It has the resistance quality against any fungus and bacteria and does not decay when comes in contact with water. Wood can stand everyday wear and tear.
Versatility: The versatile nature of wood allows it to be shaped and carved in many different forms for styling. Due to this, it can serve many different styles and design preferences.
Low Maintenance: The best quality of wood is, it requires minimal maintenance. It does not need to be washed with detergents or powder. A simple dry wipe is enough for daily cleaning.
Natural Finish: Wooden furniture adds warmth, making the ambiance cozy. This way uniqueness is added naturally to each piece without extra effort. Simple dusting or polishing is required to maintain its natural finish.
Types of Wood
Woods are divided into 3 major categories- hardwood, softwood, and engineered wood. Under these categories, hardwood and softwood are naturally obtained whereas engineered wood is created by the top layers of hard and softwood to give a wooden appearance.
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Hardwood |
Softwood |
Engineered wood |
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Hardwood grow slower and due to this, they become more dense and solid in their nature. |
Softwood grow faster than hardwood and remain evergreen throughout the year. |
Engineered wood is made or created out of hard and soft wood by mixing with adhesive and resin. |
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Example- teak, mahogany, rosewood |
Example- deodar, cader or marandi |
Example- plywood, composite wood, oriented stand board. |
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Used in making beds, fences, cabinets, etc |
Used in construction sites, window framing, doors. |
Used in making shelves and cupboards |
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Regular cleaning with a dry wipe is enough. |
Clean with a dry wipe. |
Needs much care and maintenance |
Glossary of Wooden Range
The wood used in the furniture is worthy. It lasts longer than other installed materials and is all low maintenance. Depending on your taste you can look for the variety of wood that might be helpful for you to understand which wood could be suitable for you. Discovering the wide range of woods-
Teak Wood
The most commonly used wood is teak. Even many must have already stated in mind the wood teak while going through the intro of this blog. Teak takes no such maintenance and is cost-effective. That is why most of the frames, beds, and cabinets are made of teak.
Thinking of having wooden flooring or planning to install a patio? Teak is best and most suitable due to its waterproof characteristics. It comes in a grainy pattern and its warm colors add richness to the look.
Advantages
- Has a water-resistant quality that prevents any damage by water.
- Due to its high density, it can last for years.
- It is durable and stays in proper shape for years.
Sal Wood
Sal wood is considered one of the most sustainable types of wood available. It naturally resists fungus and bacteria that can damage wood over time. Often, it doesn’t need polishing or finishing because its resin makes it durable. Sal wood is commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, and for making musical instruments. This wood has a coarse, grainy texture and is light-colored when first cut. Over time, exposure to light causes it to darken.
Advantages
- It is an ideal wood for making doors, wooden frames, and piles.
- Has the ability to prevent any termite attack and insects.
- Provides best support and strength.
Mahogany Wood
Mahogany is one of the most luxurious woods to be called around the world. Its reddish-brown shade has become its trademark. Polishing gives it a glossy shine, making it stand out among all woods. As the season changes it swells, shrinks, and warps accordingly. It is rot-resistant and is mostly used in making crockery and furniture. It is rich in color and adds warmth to your corner or home wherever it is installed.
Advantages
- Has a gloss finish that adds a shine to the furniture piece.
- It is easy to shape and carve into any design.
- It is mostly used in making furniture due to its water resistance in nature.
Oak Wood
The most practical choice for wood furniture to use on a daily basis today is Oak wood. It is durable and has high wear and tear. Oak wood is commonly used in making dining tables and chairs. This hardwood is likely to be suitable for furniture styling from traditional to modern as it fits with everything and can be carved into complex detailings. The color range from pale to light brown makes its patterns appealing and makes it the best alternative under budget that also resists decay and moisture.
Advantages
- It is water-resistant and does not rot easily.
- It is an eco-friendly alternative to other materials.
- It is affordable and lasts longer
Rosewood
It is also known as Sheesham. Found in southern regions of India, it has the ability to stand with a variety of high-end pieces of furniture. An extremely durable wood mainly used in making musical instruments, decorative items, furniture, and veneers. It also has the quality to resist termite attacks. This wood ranges from brown to dark blood-red in color, it could be either. When it is cut down freshly it has a fragrant odor.
Advantages
- Has high stability when carved out.
- Considered to be the most attractive among other woods.
- It has a beautiful out-wardly appearance.
Mulberry Wood
Mulberry wood is known to be a natural luster with weathering properties. It has a sweet and aromatic smell. People use this for their furniture due to its classic pattern and colors that are light and fine with a grainy texture. It burns slowly to keep the warmth consistent for a longer period of time which is why it is also good for campfires. It is also used to make a framework for showcasing your jewelry boxed or box of photos and crockeries.
Advantages
- It is tough and elastic in nature.
- Mostly used to make small wooden pieces and ornaments.
- Has an appealing appearance which is why it is used in making furniture.
Satin Wood
Satin wood is truly wonderful hardwood. This wood is typically seen in southeast India. Most of the antique stylish furniture is made of this wood. This wood has a satiny luster and color range from white to yellow, pale, and golden. The sheen it has is widely used in flooring and gives a gloss finish. Has a grainy pattern, and is mainly used in high-end furniture and cabinetry.
Advantages
- It is good for flooring and easy to clean.
- The surface stays sturdy and attractive for years.
- Used to make decorative pieces of furniture.
Deodar Wood
Deodar is mainly found in colder regions like the Himalayas and it is one of the most suitable wood that one can ever use. Just like cader wood, deodar wood also has antifungal properties. This wood is popular in many mountainous regions and also down the hill. The straight grain patterns and color make its quality distinctive. The quality and properties it holds make it long-lasting and stronger. That is why it is used in making beams, at construction sites, doors, and window framing.
Advantages
- It has a long shelf life and does not decay easily.
- It is the most sturdy and finest wood.
- Does not get rotten easily
Marandi Wood or Cader
Cader is a soft wood that supports delicate texture and has a yellow, pale, and creamy tone that softens the surroundings. Interestingly, it has a natural scent that adds an aroma to the atmosphere. This wood is suitable for humid regions which makes it suitable for Indian furniture. It remains sturdy in all weather conditions without shrinking or swelling.
It is used in making ceilings, wall panels, fences, and furniture. Has antifungal properties that repellent insects.
Advantages
- The color aesthetics of this wood make it appealing.
- It lasts longer than other woods and does not decay.
- Comparatively, to other woods, it needs less maintenance.
Engineered or Man-Made Woods
Nowadays engineered wood is emerging as a top choice in furniture-making due to its low cost and superior quality. Engineered wood is also known to be man-made wood. These woods are derivative of hardwood or softwood. Here are some of the different types of engineered wood.
Plywood: Plywood is a lightweight engineered wood that is made out of thin sheets of wood and then mixed with resin.
Fiberboard: It is made by breaking both the hard and soft wood and mixing with wax and resin to form a hard panel.
Oriented Stand Board: This board is made from flakes of wood with the help of adhesive. Depending on moisture it expands and contracts.
Composite Board: Composite board is made by compressing plastic and wood together and requires much care to maintain.
Notable qualities of Wood
Wood offers a unique blend of fine finishes, rich colors, durability, and versatility, making it ideal for creating stylish and appealing furniture pieces. Some of its qualities include:
- Wood can have different finishes, some with texture and others with a glossy shine, making it look more attractive.
- Each type of wood has a unique color, ranging from pale yellow to dark red or brown, adding to its rich appearance.
- Genuine wood is durable and has a natural resistance to damage.
- Wood is versatile and can be carved into various shapes to create stylish furniture.
- When carved, each piece becomes unique and color also varies from light to dark when shaped.
- The texture of any wooden piece has its grainy pattern which makes it more appealing and enhances overall interior.
Conclusion
When you design your home, it begins to shape your life. Each piece of wooden furniture tells a story and reflects your lifestyle. Wooden furniture is known for its longevity, durability, and charm, making it a wise investment. Wooden furniture's timeless beauty and style appeal to people of all ages.
Each type of wood, mentioned above, has its unique characteristics, such as the weather-resistant qualities of deodar and the aromatic scent of marandi. Whether you prefer the practical resilience of oak or the fine, satiny finish of satin wood, there's a perfect match for every style and need. Investing in quality wooden furniture not only enhances the beauty of your home but also ensures longevity and timeless charm, making it a wise and sustainable choice.
FAQs
Ques: What type of wood is used outdoors?
Ans: Due to the resistant quality against termites and water, woods such as Cader or Marandi, Teak, Oak, and Deodar are used. These woods do not get rotten or decay easily.
Ques: How wooden furniture is maintained?
Ans: The best quality of wood is that they do not ask for much maintenance. Most of them have water-resistant quality. A dry wipe regularly can be done to remove dust or polish if required to maintain shine.
Ques: Which wooden furniture is most durable?
Ans: Hardwood is more durable and long-lasting than softwood and engineered wood. Hard wood is dense in nature which makes it supportive and solid to be used. Some hardwoods- teak, mahogany, sal, and rosewood.
Ques: Which is the most affordable wood?
Ans: Teak is the most affordable wood to be used in making furniture. It can be used both indoors and outdoors for furniture-making as it is water resistant and durable too.
