What is Rosewood?
Rosewood is the common name for several species of wood belonging to the genus Dalbergia. Rosewood is prized for its strength, durability, and beauty. It is most commonly used to make high-quality furniture and veneers.
Rosewood is native to India but is also found in many countries across Asia. It is a popular and valuable wood throughout Asia because of its natural properties. Rosewood is known by many names, such as Indian Rosewood, Bombay Rosewood, Shisham, Sissoo, Biti, Eravadi, and Kalaruk.
| # | Rosewood |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dalbergia latifolia |
| Tree Size | 60-100 ft (19-30 m) tall, 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) trunk diameter |
| Genus Size: | 270 to 300 species |
| Resistant to: | Rot, insects, and moisture |
| Avg. Weight Per BF | 4.42 lb/bf |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Durability | Excellent |
Uses
Rosewood is used for making high-quality furniture, veneer, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments, and small decorative wooden items.
Rosewood is a versatile wood species that can be used for both outdoor and indoor purposes. Its density and strength make it a great choice for premium flooring.
Appearance
The heartwood of rosewood can range in color from dark golden brown to deep purplish brown. Some species of rosewood are chocolate brown in color, while the sapwood is white to yellowish light brown. The color of the wood depends on the species.
When freshly cut, rosewood is not shiny, but over time, its surface becomes oily and shiny due to the presence of natural oils. It also becomes darker over time.
Working with Rosewood
Rosewood is generally easy to work with, but its interlocked grain and high density can make it difficult for beginners. Tool blades becoming dull is a common problem when working with rosewood.
It is best to choose the right, sharp tools to work smoothly with rosewood. Rosewood finishes very well and gives excellent results. It glues well and holds nails well.
Rosewood Wood Hardness
Rosewood can be considered a high-density wood, with Janka hardness values ranging from 2,440 lbf to 2,790 lbf, depending on the species.
| Rosewood species | Janka Hardness | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian rosewood | 2,790 lbf (12,410 N) | 52 lbs/ft3 (835 kg/m3) |
| Indian Rosewood | 2,440 lbf (10,870 N) | 52 lbs/ft3 (830 kg/m3) |
| Amazon Rosewood | 2,700 lbf (11,990 N) | 68 lbs/ft3 (1,085 kg/m3) |
| Siamese Rosewood | 2,430 lbf (10,790 N) | 65 lbs/ft3 (1,035 kg/m3) |
| Madagascar Rosewood | 2,720 lbf (12,080 N) | 58 lbs/ft3 (935 kg/m3) |
| Yucatan Rosewood | 1,210 lbf (5,400 N) | 42 lbs/ft3 (680 kg/m3) |
| Honduran rosewood | 2,200 lbf (9,790 N) | 64.0 lbs/ft3 (1,025 kg/m3) |
| Tiete Rosewood | 2,790 lbf (12,410 N) | 59 lbs/ft3 (945 kg/m3) |
| Burmese Rosewood | 2,710 lbf (12,060 N) | 59 lbs/ft3 (940 kg/m3) |
Durability
While rosewood is naturally durable and stable, it requires less maintenance than many other hardwoods. The lifespan of rosewood furniture is around 80 to 100 years with regular maintenance.
Rosewood Wood Stain
Rosewood is naturally dark brown, so staining it isn’t very effective, although you can darken it further. Staining enhances the wood’s natural color and grain while providing additional protection.
Rosewood absorbs stains very well and evenly and does not have the blotchy staining problem found in some other woods. Here are the general steps to follow when staining rosewood:
- Sand the rosewood with fine-grit sandpaper, starting with a coarser grit and ending with a finer grit, until you achieve a smooth surface. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away sandpaper dust and debris from the surface of the wood.
- Make a solution by mixing black leather dye with tung oil in a ratio of 1:4 in a clean vessel.
- Stir the solution well and then apply it to the rosewood using a brush or rag in the direction of the wood grain. Work in small sections at a time, ensuring the stain is applied evenly without drips or runs.
- Allow approximately 48 to 72 hours for the stain to fully penetrate the wood. Wipe off excess stain within about five to 10 minutes.
- If you want to make the rosewood darker, you can apply another coat.
- After the stain has dried completely, apply a thin coat of tung oil to protect the wood and create a smooth finish.
- Sand the rosewood with 600-grit sandpaper.
- Buff the wood surface with a clean, dry cloth to remove dust.
Rosewood Price
Rosewood is an expensive lumber, and its price depends on several factors, such as the size, quality, and origin of the wood. Normally, rosewood costs $25 to $30 per board foot.
Is Rosewood Good for Boat Building?
Rosewood can be used for boat building, but boat builders generally prefer woods with specific properties, such as resistance to rot and decay, resistance to marine borers, and a good strength-to-weight ratio. Rosewood has most of these qualities, but it is a heavy wood, making it less practical for boat building.
Is Rosewood Good for Cutting Boards?
Cutting boards can be made from rosewood, but it is not generally recommended due to its high oil content, which can make it difficult to glue and finish properly. Some rosewood species may also be unsuitable for food-contact applications.
For a cutting board, it is best to choose a hardwood specifically recommended for cutting boards, such as maple, walnut, or cherry. These woods are also readily available and more affordable than exotic hardwoods such as rosewood.
Is Rosewood Good for Smoking Meat?
No, there are several reasons why rosewood is not a good choice for smoking meat. First, rosewood may not provide the same flavor as other woods, such as hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry. The second reason is that the natural oils in rosewood can affect the taste of your meat. The third reason is that some rosewood species have a high BTU value, which can produce a lot of heat.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the wood used for smoking is not treated with any chemicals or coatings that may be harmful. It is always recommended to use wood specifically suited for smoking meat.
Rosewood vs. Sheesham
Rosewood and Sheesham are closely related terms, but they do not always refer to exactly the same species. “Sheesham” is a Hindi name commonly used in India and Pakistan for Dalbergia sissoo, while the term “rosewood” can refer to several species in the Dalbergia genus.
Rosewood vs. Other Hardwoods
Rosewood is often compared with other hardwoods because of its strength, density, durability, and attractive grain. Compared with many common hardwoods, rosewood is generally denser and more expensive. Its natural oils and distinctive appearance also make it popular for premium furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
Is Rosewood Sustainable?
Rosewood species vary considerably in availability and conservation status. Some species have been heavily harvested and are subject to trade restrictions. Therefore, when purchasing rosewood lumber or furniture, it is important to check the species and ensure that the wood has been legally and responsibly sourced.