Wood for interior design in India is a sustainable way to design a home. Indian architecture and interior design have been long favorable to the use of different types of wood for interior design. They can be easily incorporated into the design plans and themes of the house. As per the Indian context, different types of wood for interior design play a vital role in shaping the overall look and feel of a home. Exploring such spectrums of 20 different types of wood for interior design in India one can know the flexibility of their use.
Woods can be cost-effective and also costly at the same time depending on the type of wood one uses. Also, in the trends of manufactured wood, one will have to choose the use of natural wood with a critical eye. Natural woods are costly and will require the proper amount of precision and craftsmanship to get the desired result. Hence, exploring these wood types will help them understand better for their use.
Teak wood found in central and southern parts of India is one of the most common types of wood for interiors. This wood will not shrink or corrode with the metal fastenings. The polished teak wood furniture showcases a straight grain surface in a rich brown hue. As water does not affect this wood it lasts for a longer period in comparison to other types of wood. Furniture made of teak wood is durable and does not rot because of its high density.
Sal wood found in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh in India has high tensile strength and durability. This characteristic makes it a popular choice for floorings. Durable, it is the perfect choice for making wooden beams and frames. It is resistant to details of fungi, white ants, and insects. It is used for making doors, piles, wooden frames, and small furniture. Its cost in India is Rs.1250 to Rs.1500 per cubic foot.
Mahogany wood found in Kerala and Bengal regions is highly durable under water and has a dark color after polishing. Having a porous surface absorbs the paint well which makes it look more finished and attractive for the furniture. Craftsmen easily sculpt the finest wood into cabinets and furniture, creating patterns and artistic effects. This wood can be used for making wooden cabins near the waterbodies. The average price of mahogany wood in India is Rs 850 to Rs 2500 per cubic foot.
Imported from Malaysia this wood is resistant to decay and termites. Craftsmen shape this wood into furniture accessories, and it is lighter than other types of wood. It is light, soft, and uniform in texture requires less maintenance, and has higher aesthetic appeal. It can be used to make chest drawers, shoe racks, and other decorative items in the house. The cost of cedar wood in India is Rs.900 to Rs.1400 per cubic foot.
Deodar wood found in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh is very sturdy, rot-resistant, and close-grained, that absorbs deep polish for the finish. It is immune to decay and water giving it a longer shelf life. Due to its color-absorbing properties, it is useful in making various types of furniture and ornate objects. In ancient times it was used to make religious temples and create landscapes. Now it is highly used in making furniture, railway sleepers, and carriages. The price of deodar wood in India is Rs 550 to Rs 2500 per cubic foot.
Rosewood found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa is tough and very close-grained. This wood maintains its shape and comes in large sizes, perfect for creating ornamental carvings and cabinets. This type of wood has high crushing and bending strength offering good stability to the furniture. Due to its stable character, it is used in making kitchen cabinets, bedroom furniture, and dining sets. The average price of rosewood in India is Rs 1500 to Rs 6000 per cubic foot.
Oakwood found in the Himalayan region known for its high rate of wear and tear properties and durability. It comes in a variety of colors starting from white to dark brown making it more suitable for making furniture. It is highly used in making dining tables and other tables in the house. The price of oakwood is Rs 300 to Rs 3000 per cubic foot.
Satinwood, found in the southern parts of India, often appears in lighter shades and is typically seen in antique-style furniture. It has a high gloss finish that can hide minute imperfections in the furniture. Additionally, homeowners mainly use it for flooring, which boasts a long-lasting polished finish that doesn’t require daily maintenance. It can manufacture decorative furniture pieces in the house.
Bamboo found in the Northeastern states and West Bengal in India is an affordable and sustainable choice for interiors. The furniture made out of bamboo has a versatility that can seamlessly add to the aesthetics of the house. Developing an organic feel to the interior one can use bamboo for making chairs, tables, cabinets, and drawers. As they are highly resistant to swelling and shrinking as they have high water resistance they are excellent for kitchen and bathroom use. In India, bamboo prices range from Rs.1000 to Rs.1500 per piece.
Pine wood found in Meghalaya in India is an affordable and lightweight wood that is used in the interiors. It resists shrinking and swelling and absorbs paint more easily. Because it is a soft wood, it bends and molds easily compared to other woods. It requires more amount of maintenance in comparison to other woods. The average price of pine wood is Rs 550 per cubic foot in India.
People appreciate Chironji wood, found in Northwest and Central parts of India, for its golden yellow tint, which can darken to a honeyed hue over time. Its distinct pleasant aroma adds to any setting of the house. It is a closed-grained solid robust and durable wood that resists warping and breaking making it an excellent choice for long-term furniture. As it is resistant to termites and other pests it is a good choice for making furniture such as cabinet and other decorative objects.
Sheesham wood found in Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa regions of India has a rich polish color and is durable and easily seasoned. Craftsmen use it to make all types of furniture and also for flooring. Its sturdiness makes it appropriate for carving the furniture in various shapes and patterns. It requires high maintenance and regular polish from time to time. This wood becomes a perfect combination of stability and elegance. The average price of Sheesham is Rs.760 to Rs.1000 per cubic foot in India.
Mango wood found in Myanmar and Eastern parts of India is an eco-friendly hardwood that is popular for its rich brown color that is aesthetically appealing. The wood is resistant to water and fungus making it more durable and easily maintainable. It suits different environments and is suitable for making home furniture. The price for mango wood is Rs.400 per cubic foot in India.
Jackwood found in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra regions of India is finely grained and easy to work with. Its straight, smooth grains allow craftsmen to easily carve it into designated shapes for furniture and articles. It is used to make door panels and cabinets. Its rich and smooth finish makes it more suitable for home furniture and its aesthetics. The price of jackwood in India is Rs 1200 to Rs 2900 per cubic foot.
Mulberry wood, found in Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra regions of India, has a neat finish suitable for making floors. It is tough and elastic wood that craftsmen can easily carve and use in furniture. Its color range is broader than other types of wood. Craftsmen use it to make cabinets, drawers, and ornate furniture pieces. The price of mulberry wood is Rs.1000 per cubic foot.
Acacia wood found in the regions of Kerala and Karnataka is used for its reddish-brown finish. This wood is available in various colors that will make the look of the space elegant. It is resistant to water and is rot and odor-free hence being environment-friendly for its use. The average price of acacia wood in India is Rs 700 to Rs 1500 per cubic foot.
Birchwood found in the Himalayan regions of India has a straight grain uniform surface that is widely used in furniture for homes and offices. Craftsmen can bend it into the desired shape and form because of its high elasticity. Furthermore, it is cheap and lightweight, making it easy to move around. The price of Birchwood in India is Rs.1500 per cubic foot.
Maple wood found in the northern parts of India has a very dense core. It has straight, tight fibers and light-colored skin. Its sturdiness allows craftsmen to use it in various ways for furniture. Its finish and appearance make it highly sought after, but its weight can pose challenges in furniture production. The price of Maplewood is Rs.1100 per cubic foot in India.
Cherry wood found in the Himalayan region of India comes in a creamy white shade that turns into reddish brown with time. It is smooth and glossy and is durable and hard is easy to shape. Additionally, its sensitivity to moisture restricts its use to interior spaces, preventing it from being used outdoors or in areas near water. Furniture makers primarily use it to create decorative statement pieces that require high maintenance. The price of cherry wood is Rs.3000 per cubic foot in India.
Walnut wood found in the Kashmir region of India is a dark chocolate color that is used for interiors in India. This wood has straight fibers and ripples in the surface and has an elegant surface that will add to the look of the furniture. It has a high gloss finish which is less likely to warp or inflate. Because of its dark color, furniture makers use it to create a warm and opulent atmosphere. The price of walnut wood in India is Rs 3000 to Rs 4500 per cubic foot.
Using the above types of wood for interiors in India people have evolved since ancient times in terms of design and aesthetics of the house. The use of wood for interiors has always made the designs of the furniture more useful for its purposes. Indian furniture can be made from both hardwood and softwood for different places and uses. Each wood for interiors possesses different characteristics suitable for the type of use. Using wood for interiors is an aesthetic as well as the decision of utility that one makes. Hence, choosing the correct wood for interiors is always necessary looking at the use and budget for the house.
Content Writing And Research By: Ar. Rajeshwari Pandya Modi
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