Teak vs. Sheesham: Which Hardwood is the Ultimate Investment for Your Home?

Being an interior designer, I have been asked many times that ‘which wood is best for furniture, in Indian weather conditions?’ The choice of wood usually involves a tangled web of factors: the context, the intended use and of course, the budget. But Jaipur Woods began with a different approach. We eschewed the usual commercial compromises from the start. We understood that to make furniture that lasts, there was no other option. Teak was the only wood for us. Our dedication to this ‘King of Woods’ is absolute. Every piece we make embodies the lasting strength, beautiful grain, and enduring style that only the finest Teak can offer. The Indian furniture scene boasts a wide variety of wood choices, but when it comes to top-tier craftsmanship, the decision often ends up to a preference for either Teak or Sheesham. When we talk about Teak (Tectona grandis) and Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), we aren’t just discussing timber; we are discussing the biological legends of the Indian subcontinent. In this article, we aim to elaborate on why these two remain the ‘Ultimate Investment,’ drawing on historical narratives.

Properties of Teak Wood

Teak is considered the ‘King of Timber’ that comes from its Maritime history. Around 18th and 19th century The British Royal Navy faced a crisis – their Oak ships were rotting in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. That’s when they realised that Indian Teak was rot-proof due to its incredibly high natural oil and silica content.
The HMS Trincomalee: Launched in 1817 in Bombay (Mumbai), this ship was built entirely of Malabar Teak. Before being stationed at Hartlepool, HMS Trincomalee travelled over 100,000 miles around the globe. While most ships of that era lasted 10–15 years, the Trincomalee is still afloat today in a UK museum—over 200 years later. This is why Teak is the ultimate Investment—it literally survives centuries of humidity.

So, talking of durability, Teak scores pretty good, it is also water resistant and has nice golden brown colour. But, Teak is not easy on pocket. So, if you are looking for some budget friendly, durable and strong wood options, here’s your guide to Sheesham Wood.

Properties of Sheesham Wood

While Teak conquered the seas, Sheesham (Indian Rosewood) conquered the Mughal courts. Mughal architecture and art saw Emperor Akbar favouring Sheesham for the detailed woodwork within his palaces. Unlike Teak, which boasts a straight grain and a somewhat oily texture when worked, Sheesham possesses a ‘flexible toughness.’
For generations, artisans in Jaipur and Saharanpur have gravitated towards Sheesham. Its interlocked grains make it ideal for ‘deep-relief’ carving, preventing unsightly splits. Spot an antique Rajasthani chest adorned with microscopic floral patterns? It’s likely Sheesham. This wood was the choice of scholars and artists alike, finding its way into everything from musical instruments like sitars to the royal palanquins. Tabla and other musical instruments of high order used to be made of Sheesham, because its density allows for a resonance that softer woods cannot replicate.

The Investment Breakdown

Both types of wood are used a lot in India for luxury furniture in comparison to other types of wood. Teak is significantly more expensive than Sheesham wood, because of its superior durability and strict harvesting regulations. The investment breakdown can be discussed on 2-3 fronts, such as resale value, climate stability, etc.

Feature	Teak (The Asset)	Sheesham (The Artifact)
Resale Value	Extremely high. Reclaimed Teak often sells for more than new Teak because it is more stable.	High, especially for ‘Old-Growth’ pieces with deep, dark heartwood streaks.
Climate Stability	Best in the world. It barely expands or contracts, making it the set and forget investment.	Good, but requires seasoning. Once seasoned, it is very tough.
Pest Resistance	Natural oils make it termite-proof by default.	Naturally resistant, though its sapwood (the outer layer) is more vulnerable than Teak’s.

Ultimately, the decision between Teak or Sheesham is less about the wood you are choosing to purchase and more about how you are able to arrange this physical purchase with the rhythms of life. If you are looking for a piece of furniture to set in place and essentially forget in its ability to handle humid environments as well as age with a dignified quality of shine or yellow finish, Teak is your behind-the-scenes investment piece. If you are more attracted to a raw, spirited energy with home decor full of conversation pieces featuring high-end quality with durability without the cost to the soul of high prices, Sheesham is for you.