Sheesham
Scientific name: Dalbergia sissoo
Overview
Sheesham, also known as Indian Rosewood in some markets (though technically a different species), is a durable and widely used hardwood native to the Indian subcontinent. It is valued for its strength, affordability, and attractive grain, making it a common material in furniture, cabinetry, and decorative woodwork.
While it shares the Dalbergia genus with Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), Sheesham is generally lighter in color, less dense, and more commonly used in mass-market and mid-range woodworking applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Sheesham
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia sissoo
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 30–80 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 45–50 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 1,410 lbf
- Color: Golden to medium brown, often with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked to straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Sheesham is typically lighter in color than Indian Rosewood, ranging from golden brown to medium brown with darker streaks. The grain is often interlocked, creating a somewhat irregular but attractive pattern. Compared to Indian Rosewood, it has less contrast and a more uniform, earthy appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to medium brown color
- Dark streaking, but less contrast
- Coarser texture than Indian Rosewood
- Interlocked grain patterns
- More rustic appearance
Working Properties
Sheesham is considered a user-friendly hardwood with good strength and moderate density.
- Machines well with standard tools
- Interlocked grain may cause tearout
- Glues and finishes well
- Turns well
- Good durability for interior use
- Moderate dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation in some individuals. Use proper dust protection when machining.
Common Uses
Sheesham is widely used due to its balance of durability, workability, and cost.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Carvings
- Interior joinery
- Veneer
- Turned objects
- Decorative panels
Sustainability & Notes
Sheesham is generally more available and less restricted than other Dalbergia species. It is often plantation-grown and considered a more sustainable option within the genus.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Indian Rosewood – More dense with deeper color and higher contrast, typically used in higher-end applications.
Teak – Teak offers superior weather resistance and is better suited for outdoor use, while Sheesham is primarily used indoors.
American Persimmon – American Persimmon belongs to the same genus as ebony and is valued for its exceptional hardness and strength.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Explains how Sheesham compares to other hardwoods in strength and durability.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for its moderate hardness and performance.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Sheesham from Indian Rosewood and similar species.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Sheesham is a practical addition to a wood collection, representing a widely used Dalbergia species with strong real-world applications. While less dramatic than Indian Rosewood, it offers important contrast in both appearance and performance within the genus.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
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• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
https://amzn.to/3R0IRd4
• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
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