Sissoo · Shisham · सिसौ Sissoo Wood
Nepal's most popular furniture hardwood — deep interlocked grain, exceptional durability, and a rich dark finish that carpenters trust for generations.
Enquire About Sissoo → 💬 WhatsAppWhat is Sissoo (Shisham) Wood?
Sissoo — widely called Shisham across South Asia and known locally as सिसौ (Sisau) — is Nepal and India's most beloved furniture hardwood. It belongs to the prestigious Dalbergia family, the same genus as Indian Rosewood, giving it a naturally dark, interlocked grain and deep lustre that finishes beautifully.
Where Teak dominates in luxury and outdoor use, Sissoo dominates in everyday premium furniture — dining tables, cabinets, beds, and doors where hardness, grain beauty, and long-term durability all matter at a more accessible price point.
Sissoo / Shisham
Why carpenters across Nepal prefer Sissoo: Sissoo's interlocked grain makes it almost impossible to split along the length — a key property for furniture joints, cabinet frames, and door construction. Combined with its deep brown-to-black streaking and high polish potential, it produces furniture that looks expensive and lasts decades.
Quality Rating
Uses of Sissoo Wood
Sissoo is at home in the workshop — its combination of strength, grain, and finish makes it the top choice for Nepal's furniture makers and cabinetry specialists.
Premium Furniture
Beds, sofas, almirahs — Sissoo's dark grain gives furniture a rich, handcrafted look that ages beautifully.
Cabinets & Almirahs
The split-resistant grain makes it ideal for cabinet frames and panels that must stay square for decades.
Doors & Frames
Solid Shisham doors are a mark of quality in Nepali homes — durable, warp-resistant, and deeply grained.
Dining Tables
Heavy-duty dining tables in Sissoo are prized for their weight, stability, and grain pattern at the surface.
Window Frames
Naturally resistant to moisture movement — Sissoo window frames do not swell and stick in monsoon season.
Staircases
Shisham stair treads and railings bring warmth and durability — a popular upgrade in premium homes.
Sissoo Wood — Technical Properties
| Property | Sissoo / Shisham | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dalbergia sissoo | — |
| Local Name | सिसौ (Sisau) | — |
| Wood Class | Mid–Premium Hardwood Mid–Premium | ★★★★☆ |
| Density | 770–850 kg/m³ | ✔ High |
| Grain Type | Interlocked — dark brown streaks | ✔ Distinctive |
| Hardness | Very hard — split resistant | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | Excellent — long-life in structures | ★★★★★ |
| Insect Resistance | Good — naturally resistant | ★★★★☆ |
| Finish Quality | High polish — deep lustre | ★★★★☆ |
| Moisture Movement | Low — stable in Nepal climate | ✔ Stable |
| Best Use | Furniture, cabinets, doors, dining tables | High Value |
| Available at BBS Sawmill | Custom-cut to order | ✔ |
Sissoo vs. Sal vs. Teak
Choosing the right wood depends on your budget and application. Here is how Nepal's three main hardwoods compare.
- 🏗️ Best for structural beams & frames
- 💰 Most affordable hardwood
- 🔩 Excellent nail holding
- 🎨 Plain grain — basic finish
- 🛋️ Not ideal for fine furniture
- ✦ Best for furniture & cabinetry
- ✦ Mid–Premium — best value
- ✦ Beautiful dark grain finish
- ✦ Split-resistant interlocked grain
- ✦ Nepal's #1 furniture wood
- 👑 Best for luxury & outdoor use
- 💎 Premium+ price point
- 💧 Superior water resistance
- 🌟 Golden grain — world standard
- ⏳ 50–100 year lifespan
For furniture workshops in Nepal, Sissoo is the sweet spot — it gives the look and durability of teak at a price that makes sense for our clients. The Shisham we source from BBS Sawmill is always consistent in grain and moisture. We never have to reject a batch.
— Furniture Workshop Owner, BhaktapurFrequently Asked Questions — Sissoo Wood
Tell us your required dimensions and quantity — we'll confirm availability and provide a direct sawmill quote.
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