India has a long tradition of using wood for homes, boats, tools and sacred buildings, and its forests still supply major timber to the country. Understanding the Top 10 Commercial Timber Species in India helps farmers, carpenters, students and planners make informed choices about planting, harvesting and using wood in a scientific way. Each species has different growth conditions, strength, durability, workability and market value, which directly affect profit and sustainability. This article explains where the main timbers grow, their key wood properties and major uses, so that basic and advanced learners can study them clearly.
#1 Teak Tectona grandis
Teak Tectona grandis is regarded as the premier timber of India because of its strength, stability and natural beauty. It occurs naturally in central and southern states and is widely planted in managed plantations and farm forestry. Teak prefers deep, well drained soils, warm temperatures and a clear dry season, and it responds very well to thinning, pruning and weeding. The golden brown wood is durable, termite resistant and easy to work with hand or machine tools. It is used for high quality furniture, doors, windows, ship decks, laboratory benches and outdoor structures that must last.
#2 Sal Shorea robusta
Sal Shorea robusta is one of the most important commercial hardwoods of northern and eastern India, especially in the Himalayan foothills. It forms dense natural forests on moist, well drained soils and can produce heavy volumes of timber under scientific management. Sal trees tolerate seasonal drought but are sensitive to fire and heavy grazing, so protection measures are essential. The wood is very hard, heavy and durable, and it resists decay and insect attack even in exposed conditions. Because of this, Sal is used for beams, sleepers, bridges, house posts, heavy flooring, poles and door frames.
#3 Shisham Dalbergia sissoo
Shisham or Indian rosewood Dalbergia sissoo is highly valued for its striking grain, rich colour and excellent mechanical strength. It is native to riverine plains and foothills of north India and is widely planted along roads, canals and farm boundaries. Shisham grows best on deep alluvial soils with good moisture but can tolerate some drought and light frost. The wood is strong, tough and moderately heavy, and it takes a high polish, which gives a fine finish. It is used for premium furniture, cabinets, decorative veneers, tool handles, sports goods and musical instruments that demand durability.
#4 Deodar Cedrus deodara
Deodar cedar Cedrus deodara is a majestic Himalayan conifer that yields valuable softwood for construction and specialised uses. It grows at higher elevations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, thriving in cool, moist climates with deep mountain soils. Deodar stands help protect fragile catchments and slopes, so sustainable harvest planning is very important. The wood is light, moderately strong and pleasantly fragrant, and it shows good resistance to many insects and fungi. It is commonly used for temple architecture, beams, rafters, roofing, paneling, railway sleepers, interior joinery and high grade pencil and craft wood.
#5 Chir pine Pinus roxburghii
Chir pine Pinus roxburghii is the most widespread pine of India and a key source of construction timber, packaging material and resin. It dominates many lower Himalayan slopes in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and parts of the north east, growing on steep, rocky and relatively dry sites. Chir pine can colonise degraded hillsides and helps stabilise soil, although fire control is essential for healthy regeneration. The wood is light, moderately strong and easy to saw and season, which reduces processing costs. It is widely used for beams, rafters, boards, poles, match splints, packing cases, pulpwood and plywood cores.
#6 Gurjan Dipterocarpus species
Gurjan Dipterocarpus species is a major commercial hardwood of north eastern and eastern India, particularly in high rainfall evergreen and semi evergreen forests. The trees grow tall and straight with long clear boles, which are ideal for peeling and sawing. Gurjan prefers deep, well drained, fertile soils and benefits from careful selection felling and reduced impact logging practices. The wood is moderately heavy, strong and fairly durable, with good nail holding power and an even texture. It is widely used in the manufacture of marine and structural plywood, formwork, truck and bus bodies, ship building and bridges.
#7 Eucalyptus plantation species
Eucalyptus species such as Eucalyptus tereticornis and high yielding hybrids have become very important plantation timbers for industry and small farmers. They are widely grown in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Punjab and several other states on farmlands and reclaimed wastelands. Eucalyptus grows rapidly when moisture and nutrients are adequate, providing harvestable poles and pulpwood within six to eight years. The dense wood is suitable for poles, posts, pulp, paper, laminated veneer lumber, pallets and fuel. Contract farming arrangements with mills can give smallholders assured markets and regular income from well managed eucalyptus plantations.
#8 Mango Mangifera indica
Mango Mangifera indica is best known as a fruit tree, but mature trees that no longer bear well provide useful timber for many applications. Mango is cultivated across most of India in orchards, homesteads and avenues, and it tolerates a wide range of climates and soils. Old trees develop large trunks and branches that yield sizeable logs when removed from orchards. The wood is moderately hard and easy to work, with a uniform, pleasant appearance that accepts stains and finishes. It is used for medium cost furniture, paneling, doors, picture frames, carvings, packing cases and household items.
#9 Silver oak Grevillea robusta
Silver oak Grevillea robusta is an introduced species that has become a popular shade and timber tree in southern India. It is frequently planted in tea and coffee estates and along roads in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where it grows well on well drained loamy soils. The tree has a straight bole and relatively open crown, which allow sufficient light for intercrops. The medium weight wood seasons well and works smoothly, although it must be carefully dried to avoid warp. It is used for furniture frames, interior joinery, packing cases, plywood cores and general utility boards.
#10 Gamhar Gmelina arborea
Gamhar Gmelina arborea is a fast growing deciduous tree that provides versatile light timber and is widely promoted in farm forestry. It is native to parts of central and eastern India but has been planted in many other states on fertile, well drained soils. Gamhar responds well to management and can produce straight stems and good volumes of wood within relatively short rotations of ten to twelve years. The timber is light to moderately heavy, easy to saw and peel and takes polish very well. It is suitable for furniture, plywood, door shutters, carvings, packing boxes and light construction.