When buying wooden furniture in India, two names come up more than any others: sheesham and teak. Both are hardwoods used by furniture makers for generations. Both look beautiful. But they are not the same — and choosing the wrong one can mean spending more money or ending up with furniture that doesn't survive your home's conditions.
This guide gives you an honest, detailed comparison so you can make the right call before you buy.
What is Sheesham Wood?
Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), also called Indian Rosewood or North Indian Rosewood, is one of the most widely used furniture woods in India. It grows abundantly in the Indo-Gangetic plains and is the backbone of the furniture industry in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- Colour: Golden brown to dark brown with visible grain lines
- Janka Hardness: ~1,200 lbf (harder than most Indian woods)
- Natural oils: Moderate — gives some moisture resistance
- Termite resistance: High — one of the most termite-resistant woods available
- Weight: Medium-heavy
Why furniture makers love sheesham: It works easily with hand tools, holds nails and screws without splitting, and takes a high-quality polish. A well-made sheesham piece can outlast the owner.
What is Teak Wood?
Teak (Tectona grandis) is widely regarded as the world's finest furniture wood. India has a long history with teak — Burma teak (now Myanmar teak) was the gold standard for centuries, used in palaces, ships, and temples. Today, plantation teak from South India (Kerala, Karnataka) is the most common source.
- Colour: Golden-yellow when fresh, darkens to rich honey-brown with age
- Janka Hardness: ~1,000–1,150 lbf (slightly below sheesham)
- Natural oils: Very high (3–5%) — exceptional moisture resistance
- Termite resistance: Excellent
- Weight: Medium — lighter than it looks, easy to move
Teak's superpower: Its high oil content means it naturally repels water, insects, and rot. This is why teak is the only wood used for outdoor furniture that lasts decades without treatment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Property | Sheesham | Teak | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ~1,200 lbf | ~1,000–1,150 lbf | Sheesham |
| Moisture Resistance | Moderate | Excellent | Teak |
| Termite Resistance | High | Very High | Teak (slightly) |
| Weight | Medium-heavy | Medium | Teak (easier to move) |
| Polish & Finish | Excellent | Very Good | Sheesham |
| Grain Beauty | Rich, visible grain | Straight, subtle grain | Tie (personal taste) |
| Workability | Easy | Easy but oily surface | Sheesham |
| Availability in India | Abundant | Good (plantation) | Sheesham |
| Price (per sq ft) | ₹80–₹150 | ₹180–₹350+ | Sheesham (budget) |
| Outdoor Use | Not recommended | Excellent | Teak |
Which Wood for Which Furniture?
Choose Sheesham for:
- Beds and bedroom sets — hardness resists dents; beautiful grain takes stain well
- Wardrobes and almirahs — screws hold tight; hinges don't loosen for years
- Dining tables — durable under daily use; affordable for large surfaces
- Study tables and bookshelves — rigid enough to support heavy loads
- Sofas with wooden frames — strong joinery, cost-effective
Choose Teak for:
- Outdoor furniture — garden tables, benches, chairs; teak is the only wood that survives rain
- Kitchen-adjacent furniture — near sinks or humid zones where moisture is constant
- Heirloom or prestige pieces — when budget is not a constraint and you want the best
- Semi-outdoor seating — verandah benches, balcony chairs
Watch out for "teak finish" vs real teak: Many sellers label furniture "teak finish" which simply means a teak-coloured paint or polish on a cheaper wood like rubber wood or MDF. Always ask for the wood species, not the finish colour.
Price Difference in India (2025)
Here's a realistic price range for common furniture in both woods, based on market rates in West Bengal:
| Furniture Item | Sheesham Price | Teak Price |
|---|---|---|
| Double Bed (without storage) | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 |
| 3-Door Wardrobe | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 | ₹50,000 – ₹90,000 |
| 4-Seater Dining Set | ₹20,000 – ₹38,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Study Table | ₹8,000 – ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Sofa (3-seater wooden frame) | ₹22,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹70,000 |
The price gap is real and significant — teak furniture costs roughly 40–80% more than equivalent sheesham pieces. For most Indian homes, sheesham delivers 90% of the durability at 50–60% of the cost.
Our Verdict
For indoor furniture in Indian homes, sheesham wood is the better choice for most buyers. It is harder, takes a better polish, is more affordable, and widely available. A well-made sheesham bed or wardrobe — with proper joinery and quality hardware — will last 30–50 years with minimal maintenance.
Choose teak only when you need the wood to handle moisture or outdoor conditions, or when you specifically want the prestige of solid teak and the budget is not a constraint.
The real variable isn't the wood species — it's the craftsmanship. A well-made sheesham piece will outlast poorly made teak furniture. Ask about the joinery (mortise-and-tenon over nails), the seasoning, and the hardware quality before you buy.
At New Priyatama Furniture, we use kiln-dried, ISI-grade sheesham and teak. Browse our collection or WhatsApp us to discuss which wood suits your needs and budget.