With the introduction of our new Kediri Teak range this Autumn we thought it might be useful to let you know the about the sourcing of our different timbers and the unique characteristics that go on to make the furniture.
By far our most popular timber in Sheesham with four of our ranges being made from this hardwood.
What is Sheesham wood?
Sheesham wood, also known as Indian Rosewood is native to the Indian Subcontinent. Aside from timber supply for furniture, the tree is planted on roadsides and along canals to provide welcome, natural shade for tea plantations.
Why does Sheesham wood make good furniture?
Sheesham wood has a beautiful irregular grain structure which is very distinctive in appearance and can be polished to a fine finish. The timber itself is strong and durable, maintaining its shape well during handling and construction. Given this strength and density, it is also an ideal material for decorative carvings and can be easily seasoned for future stability.
At Myakka, we have been working directly with manufacturers in northern India for over a decade, specialising in Sheesham wood furniture. All our timber is sustainably sourced through Government-managed plantations. It is methodically kiln-dried and treated to protect its future stability before production begins. Each piece of Myakka Sheesham furniture is crafted from both the dark heartwood and the lighter-coloured sapwood of the tree. A stain is selectively applied to obtain a consistent tone before the entire piece is waxed by hand to enhance its grain. As every piece of furniture is hand finished from an entirely natural product, variations in knots, grain detailing, mineral deposits and minor imperfections may sometimes occur. These are considered part of the uniqueness and charm of the furniture.
Our four ranges that are made from Sheesham wood are the flagship Mallani range, the hand carved Hathi Range, the smooth lines in the Chandra range and the traditional styling of our Thakat range.
Our newest range in the Kediri Teak range, our first Teak range…
What is Teak wood?
Teak is a beautiful tropical hardwood derived from large trees, which also produce fragrant white flowers. The wood is highly prized for its durability and water resistance which is why it has been the choice of boat-builders for over 150 years. It contains silica, has a high oil content and great inherent strength with a tight grain.
The Kediri Teak Pedigree
To ensure the highest quality for your Kediri furniture, we chose not to use recycled teak as it is a little too unpredictable in consistency and colour. Instead we did some serious homework and travelled extensively to source new wood from sustainable sources. The wood we use is closely monitored through the Indonesian Wood Legality Verification System (SVLK) which is run by the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and came into force in March 2013. We are also voluntary members of Tress4Trees, so donate a share of the money you spend on our exclusive Kediri Teak furniture to help fund replanting schemes in Indonesian communities. To find out more about Trees4Trees please click here
Manufactured with care
The timber for each piece of Kediri Teak furniture is methodically kiln-dried and treated to protect its future stability before production begins. Once complete, the entire piece is hand waxed to enhance its grain and protect the wood. As every piece is hand finished from an entirely natural product, variations in knots, grain detailing, mineral deposits and minor imperfections may sometimes occur. These are considered part of the uniqueness and charm of the furniture.
What is Mango wood?
Mango wood is a hardwood timber that is cultivated from the mango fruit tree, which is native to the Indian subcontinent but can also be grown in frost free climates. Once a tree stops producing fruit at about 10-15 years old, it is then cut down to produce furniture along with carvings. The wood is a dense timber, which provides a beautiful grain made up from different tones and colours from dark or light green through to brown and tan shades. Mango is one of the most sustainable woods available as it provides value throughout its lifetime and is very fast growing.
The mango wood we used is treated in the same way as our Sheesham wood with a kiln drying and treatment process before it is made into beautiful furniture designed to last a lifetime. We use the same manufacturers in India for both our Mango and Sheesham ranges.
Myakka’s Mango wood is available in our Orissa range, which has been exclusively designed by us and features subtle eastern framed carvings stained in a consistent dark finish. We also have a painted Mango wood range called Gypsy which features antiqued metal knobs, wavy plinths and bevelled tops all finished with a distressed effect in a softening aqua wash.
