There are different types of woods used in different construction purposes. The characteristics and uses of commonly used woods are listed below.
Teak wood is considered as best wood for retention of shape and for durability. It remains immune from white ants (termites) attack and insects attack for very long periods, but is not always immune from fungus attack (rot). It is easy to saw and work to a fair surface and takes polish well. Mostly it is used for important timber construction works and for making furniture.
Its weight and strength is 20% less than teak. It is easy to saw and works to a smooth finish. It is not, however, a suitable wood for polish and paint work as the oil in the wood, especially near knots, always seeps through such finishes and discolours them. It is used for all types of construction works and light furniture where finish is not very important.
Sal wood is about 30% heavier, 50% harder and 20-30% stronger than teak wood. In shock resistance it is about 45% above teak wood. It usually remains immune from attack by white ants and fungus for a long period. A well dried Sal wood is not very easy to saw and work. It is used for variety of construction purposes such as beams, piles, bridging, rafters etc.
It is not a very durable wood, but it is easy to saw and work. It can be brought to a fine smooth surface, hence it is more suitable for paint and enamel finishes than for polish work.
Babool and Khair wood:
These are very strong, hard and rough timbers. They are somewhat difficult to saw and work but can be finished and polished well.
It is a fairly hard and strong wood. It is about 10% harder than teak wood. It is very easy wood to saw and finishes very easily and takes strain and polish well. It cannot be dovetailed because it breaks away. It is commonly used for door and window frames, floor boards, panelling etc.
It is not a very durable wood in exposed conditions. It is very liable to fungal staining and decay and is not immune to whit ant attack. It can be easily finished to smooth surface.
It is not a very durable wood unless treated with a preservative. It is easy to saw and can be brought to a fine smooth surface. It is more suitable for paint and enamel finishes than for polish.
It is very close to teak wood in strength. It is suitable for all types of construction works and is not prone to fungus attack. It can be finished to a fine smooth surface and takes a good polish.