Sheesham Wood vs Teak Wood: Pros, Cons, and Key Differences

Choosing the right wood for your furniture can be daunting, especially when it comes to Sheesham wood vs. teak wood—two of the most popular choices. Both have distinct advantages, but which is best for your needs?

Sheesham wood and teak wood look similar in some aspects, but they are still very different, and choosing between the two can be challenging. 

In case we haven’t met, I’m Bhavana Prakash Menon, with over a decade of experience in e-commerce and interior design. Over the past three years, I’ve been running my own furniture business, which has given me in-depth knowledge of various wood types, their differences, and their applications.

In this post, I will walk you through the key differences between teak wood and Sheesham wood, such as their appearance, maintenance, and durability, to help you make an informed decision about which hardwood is best for your furniture.

Key Takeaways

1. Teak and sheesham wood are both popular for creating furniture. Nevertheless, differences are prominent in durability, appearance, and origin.

2. Teakwood is widely regarded as the best choice for outdoor furniture due to its natural oils and resistance to decay. On the other hand, Sheesham wood is more commonly used for indoor furniture, though it can be used outdoors if properly treated.

3. Teakwood outperforms Sheesham wood in durability and weather resistance. It endures harsh weather well. However, in terms of affordability, Sheesham wood scores in Teak wood vs Sheesham wood comparison.

Overview of Sheesham wood

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Sheesham wood, also known as Indian Rosewood, is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its durability, strength, and unique grain pattern, making it a great choice as a base for bone inlay furniture.

The colour of Sheesham wood is typically rich and dark, but not always so. In many cases, its colour varies from light golden brown to deep brown. The wood's grain can be straight or slightly interlocked, giving it a visually appealing texture.

Sheesham wood is often considered an affordable alternative to teak. However, it is different from teak wood on the account of not being as resistant to insects and water.

One of Sheesham wood’s biggest advantages is its affordability, making it a popular alternative to teak. It is naturally resistant to termites and fungi, though not completely immune.

However, compared to teak wood, Sheesham wood is more prone to scratches and tends to darken over time.

Overview of Teak wood

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Teak is one of the most sought-after tropical hardwoods worldwide, known for its exceptional durability and resistance to water and insects. 

Thanks to its high natural oil content, teak repels moisture and significantly slows down decay, making it a top choice for boats and outdoor furniture.

Beyond its strength, teak is also prized for its rich golden-brown hue and smooth finish. The wood’s straight to slightly wavy grain enhances its visual appeal, while its naturally high oil content gives it a lustrous finish.

Another advantage of teak is its low-maintenance nature—even with minimal upkeep, it can last for decades.

Sustainably sourced teak from managed plantations is considered an eco-friendly option, as it requires little chemical treatment and has a long lifespan, reducing environmental impact.

When we take a look at the cons associated with teak wood, the top among them is its high pricing, making it a premium choice.

Additionally, while high-quality teak is resistant to warping and cracking, lower-grade or improperly dried teak may develop surface cracks over time.

Sheesham wood vs Teak wood: Pros and cons for making furniture 

Sheesham Wood

Teak Wood

Sheesham wood vs Teak wood: Key differences

Teak wood vs Sheesham wood: Appearance

It’s hard to deny that both teak wood and Sheesham wood are beautiful in their own unique ways. Teak wood’s light golden-brown colour, consistent grain pattern, and smooth texture create a refined and luxurious appearance.

On the other hand, Sheesham wood has a more natural and rustic charm, with a pronounced grain pattern and a rich reddish-brown hue. This also makes it a great choice for statement furniture pieces like wooden sideboards and cabinets.

Ultimately, your personal preference plays a key role in choosing the right wood for your needs.

Teakwood is the default choice if you seek something elegant and long-lasting. However, if uniqueness and a natural look fascinate you, Sheesham wood is likely to work the best for you.

Teak wood vs Sheesham wood: Strength and Durability

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Both Sheesham and Teak are high performers in terms of durability. However, differences arise in their resistance to wear and tear.

Teak wood is a dense hardwood primarily grown in Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its exceptional durability, as natural oils make it resistant to decay, rot, and moisture. These properties make teakwood an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

Sheesham wood is also resistant to decay and termites. However, it is not as water resistant as teakwood and calls for proper care to ensure longevity.

Teak wood vs Sheesham wood: Maintenance

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Teak wood vs Sheesham wood: Pricing

Teak wood vs Sheesham wood: Sustainability and Availability

When responsibly sourced, both Sheesham and Teak wood are eco-friendly options.

However, Sheesham wood is often considered more sustainable due to its abundant availability and faster growth rate. In contrast, teak wood grows more slowly and is vulnerable to overharvesting, making sustainable management crucial.

Hence, on the homeowners’ part, it is important to ensure that they source wood only from credible and certified sources.

By doing so, they not only contribute to reducing deforestation but also support responsible forestry practices for both Sheesham and teak wood.

Conclusion

Both teak wood and Sheesham wood are incredibly popular choices for making furniture. However, it’s important to understand the unique characteristics of each before deciding which one best suits your needs.

If you prioritize affordability and a natural look, Sheesham wood is the ideal option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for durability and suitability for outdoor use, teak wood is the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Which is better: Teak wood or Sheesham wood?

Teak wood performs significantly better for outdoor furniture due to its superior resistance to moisture and harsh weather conditions. For indoor furniture, both teak and Sheesham wood are suitable, but Sheesham wood may require more maintenance.

Which is more durable: Teak wood or Sheesham wood?

Both teakwood and sheesham wood are sustainable options, but teakwood surpasses sheesham wood in terms of durability. Its close-grain structure makes it resistant to sunlight, moisture, and extreme weather conditions.

 While Sheesham wood is also a durable hardwood, it is more prone to dampness and scratches.

How can I maintain Sheesham/Teak wood furniture?

Polishing: Use wood polish or teak oil every few months to maintain the shine and protect against scratches.

Avoid Moisture: Keep Sheesham wood away from high-moisture areas. While teak is more moisture-resistant, avoid excess water exposure.

Protect from Sunlight: Keep furniture out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and cracking.

Use Coasters & Mats: Protect the surface from spills, stains, and scratches by using coasters and placemats.

Waxing/Oiling: Wax Sheesham wood and oil teak wood yearly to keep them smooth and lustrous.

What are the key differences between Teak wood and Sheesham wood?

1. Teak wood is harder than Sheesham wood, making it less workable.

2. Teak wood is the preferred choice for outdoor furniture due to its natural oils, which protect it from moisture.

3. Appearance-wise, Sheesham wood is darker than teak and has a rustic, reddish look.

4. Sheesham wood requires more maintenance over time and is best suited for indoor furniture and cabinetry.

Is Sheesham wood considered to be of good quality?

Yes, Sheesham is a high-quality hardwood. When properly maintained, it creates durable indoor furniture. Its rustic appearance is highly favoured by homeowners.

Is Sheesham wood good for bed?

Yes, Sheesham wood is a great choice for a bed. Its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal make it a fine choice for creating bed frames. Additionally, Sheesham wood is naturally termite-resistant.