JAVEED IQBAL KHAWAJA March 7, 2016

SHEESHAM WOOD IN PAKISTAN

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LOCAL WOOD RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s furniture has been fairly devoted to solid wood composition, and is

therefore heavily dependent on native sheesham wood (Dalbergia sissoo), also

known as Indian Rosewood, Tali. It is the state tree of Punjab (India) and the

provincial tree of Punjab province (Pakistan). Despite being a valuable species,

sheesham resource has not been sustained in the country. Scarcity of sheesham and

other local hardwoods is the most serious threat to Pakistan’s traditional wooden

furniture industry. (Sources: Wikimedia Foundation, In)

Sheesham wood has a rich chestnut colour and is ideally suited to furniture

making due to its hard nature and close grain that polishes well and finishes to a

smooth surface. As a natural material each piece of Sheesham timber has individual

markings and characteristics resulting in the fact that every item of furniture is

unique.

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SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION OF Dalbergia sissoo

KINNGDOM: Plantae (UNRENKED): Angiosperms

(UNRANKED): Rosids ORDER: Fabales FAMILY: Fabaceae

GENUS: Dalbergia SPECIES: D.SISSOO

Advantage of Sheesham wood

There are many advantages in using Sheesham wood in the construction of

furniture, if the wood is properly seasoned:

It is less likely to warp or split

The wood takes a good polish and finishes to a smooth lustre

The beautiful natural patterns make an enchanting finish.

Disadvantage of Sheesham wood:

Limited sources available in Pakistan. Too expensive in comparison with international market.

Too much wastage from log to planks. As per physical check, conversion from logs to planks takes 50 % wastage. The

picture below is an example.

Sheesham wood furniture is always recommended:

Must be chemically treated to eradicate any residual parasites before kiln seasoning:

Moisture content must be below 8 % to ensure stability in the UK, US

and CANADA

Example of furniture made by low quality shahmeem wood (with sap wood) which is

not recommended for use in a good quality furniture