In This Post:
– Pros of sheesham wood furniture
– Cons of sheesham wood furniture
– Maintaining sheesham wood furniture
Whether you want to place a wooden bed when renovating your bedroom, or buy carved wooden doors during the finishing stages of construction, selecting the right wood is so important. There are various types of wood available in the Pakistani market. If you love carved wood, then buy sheesham wood furniture without blinking an eye. The malleable nature of Sheesham wood makes it ideal for intricate carvings. However, on the flip side, its vulnerability to water and pest damage can be a bit troublesome, especially if you are not aware of the maintenance tips. We have put together some pros and cons of sheesham wood furniture along with some quick tips to maintain its natural shine.
Let’s begin.
Pros of Sheesham Wood Furniture
Solid sheesham wood furniture in Pakistan is popular because of its versatility in design, aesthetic appeal and pocket-friendly prices. Sheesham also known as Indian Rosewood, is a tree native to India and Iran. It has leathery leaves and can be seen in abundance on roadsides in India, especially in southern cities like Bangalore. Some of the pros of sheesham wood furniture are as follows:
- Versatility in design
- Pocket-friendly prices
- Decorative carving
- Aesthetic appeal
Let us discuss these in more detail.
Versatility in design
While sheesham is technically classified as hardwood, most woodworkers claim that it is pliable. The malleable and flexible nature of sheesham wood makes it easy to work with, which makes it extremely versatile. It can be easily bent and shaped into various home décor furniture such as bed frames, door frames, sofa set, table, chairs dining set, coffee table, cupboard and chester etc.
The grain of the wood is dark, dense and straight. It mixes with golden hues making any furniture design appealing and distinctive. You can even carve intricate designs in sheesham wood. Since carved furniture in Pakistan mostly comes from Chiniot and the local dealers refer to it as Chinioti furniture, you will find that most of the carved variety is made from sheesham wood. The popularity of Chinioti furniture in Pakistan can not be ignored. From elaborate designs on the centre table to fine carvings on the dining chairs, sheesham wood is an ideal option for furniture in Pakistan.
Seasoned sheesham wood has the ability to resist water and is therefore used in boat making. Moreover, its good acoustic quality renders it useful in the making of musical and percussion instruments.
Pocket-friendly prices
The best advantage of buying sheesham wood furniture is its lavish appearance and low prices. You can buy a stylish sofa set for the drawing room made of sheesham wood at a relatively low cost than other hardwood materials. Cheaper than its closest comparable – teak – sheesham is arguably considered a beautiful option for furniture with its dark veins presenting a contrast with light brown and golden hues.
Decorative carving
As mentioned above, sheesham wood can be carved into various objects. The most intricate designs and carvings can be made on sheesham wood. If properly seasoned, you don’t have to worry about wood cracking or splintering. Because of its durability, versatility and affordability you can easily décor a bedroom or drawing room with stylish and intricately carved sheesham wood furniture, allowing the carved style to continue across your house.
Stability
To ensure sheesham wood’s durability and longevity, it passes through a series of processes that makes it sturdy and less prone to cracks and splinters. It is dry kilned or dried in the sun for 6 months before it is suitable for making furniture. Once the wood is dried and transformed into lumber, the boards tend to be resilient and have a great deal of flexibility. This also hardens the wood and makes it suitable for furniture pieces that last for long.
Cons of Sheesham Wood Furniture
These are the biggest disadvantages of buying sheesham wood furniture for your home:
- Vulnerability to water and pest damage
- Finding original sheesham wood is difficult
Let us discuss these disadvantages in detail:
Vulnerability to water and pest damage
Sheesham wood is also vulnerable to rot and pest damage. If it is not processed properly, it can retain some of the moisture. This makes an ideal ground for termite infestation. That is why sheesham wood furniture is not considered a top choice for outdoor furniture, unlike teak wood.
Finding original sheesham wood is difficult
Choosing properly sourced sheesham wood can be a bit tricky. Only experts and professionals can tell whether the wood is original sheesham or not. Common people and customers can be easily tricked in buying bad quality furniture.
Maintaining Sheesham wood furniture
Since we have discussed the pros and cons of sheesham wood furniture, let’s now discuss some tips on maintenance of sheesham wood furniture.
How to Clean Sheesham Wood Furniture
Dust your sheesham wood furniture regularly. Remember not to use excess moisture or water to clean the surface or else the wood will swell and warp. Use a clean cloth or a soft bristled toothbrush to remove any dust particles settled inside the intricate carvings of sheesham wood.
How to Retain Shine on Sheesham Wood Furniture
In order to restore the lost shine of your furniture use an equal quantity of vinegar, olive oil and some water in a bottle. Shake it well. Using a soft cloth, dip it in the solution and apply it on your furniture. Then take a dry cloth and buff your furniture with it.
We hope this simple guide on pros and cons of sheesham wood furniture would help you make an informed decision. Let us know your thoughts on blog@zameen.com and we will surely get back to you. Subscribe to the Zameen Newsletter appearing on the right hand side of the page. Do check our useful guides on: How to Polish Raw Wood like a Pro, How to Polish Wooden Furniture, Types of Wooden Cabinets and Their Prices. For more of such informative pieces, stay tuned to the Zameen Blog, the best real estate blog in Pakistan.
