Shisham is the best known economic timber species of the rosewood genus sold internationally, but it is also used as fuel wood and for shade and shelter. After teak, it is the most important cultivated timber tree of Bihar, which is the largest producer of shisham timber in India. In Bihar, the tree is planted on roadsides, along canals and as a shade tree for tea plantations. It is also commonly planted in southern Indian cities like Bangalore as a street tree.
Sheesham is usually dried before being used in furniture manufacturing, a process commonly known as seasoning. Locally sheesham is left in wide open areas to dry under the sun for about six months. Commercially, sheesham is dried in closed chambers with hot air circulation for about seven to fifteen days, depending on weather conditions. The ideal moisture level is supposed to be 5-6% for thinner pieces and up to 11% for thicker ones, depending on use. Anything lower than this can cause sudden cracking of the final products.
Sheesham (Dalbergia) is a fast growing tropical hardwood. Historically known as ‘Indian Rosewood′, it has been in great demand for centuries for musical instruments and fine inlay work in furniture. Much loved by wood turners and cabinet makers - it provides them with material in two distinctive colours; rich, dark ‘heartwood′ and contrasting delicate, pale ‘sapwood′.