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Sheesham vs Sagwan vs Teak — Which Wood Should You Choose?

Every week customers ask us: "Sheesham lu ke Sagwan?" The honest answer is that all the woods we work with are premium — but they differ in price, weight, grain and behaviour. After two decades of hand-carving mandirs, jhulas and furniture in Ahmedabad, here is our straight comparison.

Quick Comparison

WoodBest ForTermite ResistanceRelative Price
Sheesham (Indian Rosewood)Furniture, mandirs, carved decor — rich dark grainGood (seasoned heartwood)₹₹
Sagwan / Sevan (Indian Teak)Pooja mandirs (traditionally sacred), doors, jhulasExcellent (natural oils)₹₹₹
Burmese TeakHeirloom furniture, premium mandirsExcellent₹₹₹₹
Ghana Teak (African)Export-grade mandirs & furniture, great value teakExcellent₹₹₹

Sheesham — The Carver's Favourite

Sheesham (Indian rosewood) has a deep, figured grain that looks spectacular with natural polish. It carves beautifully, which is why much of India's traditional Nakshi furniture — diwans, sofa sets, king beds — is made in Sheesham. It is heavy and strong; properly seasoned Sheesham lasts generations.

Sagwan / Sevan — The Sacred Choice for Mandirs

Sagwan (also called Sevan or Indian Teak) is traditionally considered the most sacred wood for mandir-making. Its natural oils make it highly resistant to termites and moisture, and it stays dimensionally stable through seasons — the wood neither swells in monsoon nor cracks in dry winters. This is why most of our wooden temples are crafted in Sagwan.

Burmese & Ghana Teak — The Export Grade

Both are true teaks with excellent stability. Burmese Teak is the classic heirloom-grade option; Ghana Teak (African plantation teak) delivers very similar durability at better value and has become the preferred choice for NRI families ordering from the USA, UK, Canada and UAE — homes with central heating or AC need wood that won't warp, and teak is the safest bet.

Our Honest Recommendation

Every piece we make is customisable in wood, size and finish — and we'll always tell you plainly which wood your specific piece actually needs.

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