People often order wooden furniture with beautiful and luxurious designs to give a home an aesthetic look. Whether it's beds, sofas, wardrobes, or doors, high-quality wood is used for their manufacture. Although wooden furniture gives a magnificent appearance to a home, there is always a concern related to termite infestation. Termites, being small insects, gradually destroy wood from the inside. Sometimes the furniture looks flawless on the outside but is ruined inside.
Thus, even a bed, sofa, or wardrobe made at the cost of thousands of rupees can quickly fail. Therefore, it is crucial to know which type of wood is best able to resist termite attacks before ordering furniture. Below are five types of wood that termites dislike and avoid.
Best Termite-Resistant Wood
It is believed that the risk of termite infestation is lower in these species.
1. Teak Wood (Sagun): Teak wood is considered strong and durable. It contains natural oils that help reduce the impact of moisture and insects. This is why it is used to make expensive and outdoor furniture. If you want to order a bed, doors, or a wardrobe that will last a long time, teak wood can be a good choice. However, its cost is higher than many other species.
2. Cedar Wood (Devdar): Cedar wood has aromatic natural oils and compounds that help repel some insects. It also has a very characteristic smell. Nevertheless, not all varieties of cedar are completely protected from termites. Therefore, when purchasing, it is very important to get information about the correct variety, quality, and treatment of the wood.
3. Redwood (Redwood): Redwood is quite strong and rots slowly. It also largely withstands moisture, which reduces the risk of premature wood decay. This wood is used to make decorative items and outdoor furniture. However, in India, this wood is not always widely available and can be expensive.
4. Mahogany: Mahogany is known for its deep color, beautiful texture, and strength. Its wood is quite dense, which somewhat reduces the threat of insect attack. It is used to create beds, wardrobes, doors, and decorative items. Despite this, termites can also appear in mahogany. Therefore, proper care and treatment are necessary if needed.
5. Iroko: Iroko is a strong tree growing in Africa, sometimes called African Teak. This wood easily withstands moisture and rot. Some of its varieties have the ability to resist insect attacks, such as termites. It is used in furniture production. However, it can be difficult to find in India.
Can These Species Be Completely Protected From Termites?
It is important to remember that no wood is absolutely immune to termites. The presence of termites depends on the quality of the wood, the level of humidity, and the method of its installation. Therefore, when buying wood, it is essential to clarify information about its quality and any treatments performed for termite protection.
If there is already dampness in the house or the wood is in contact with walls and moist soil, the risk of termite appearance increases. In such cases, it is necessary to eliminate leaks in the house, prevent moisture ingress, and ensure the proper installation of the wood. By paying attention to these points before purchasing expensive furniture, you can help save both your money and the furniture itself for a long time.