Jamun also known as Jamblang, Jambul, Jambolan, or Syzygium Cumini is an evergreen tree that can be found in all regions of Southeast Asia, especially the Indian subcontinent. The tree was popular because of the fruits and the Indian subcontinent’s emigrants grew these trees where they went in the past.
Major producers of Jamun wood include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The tree can also be found in many former tropical British colonies. After all this talk, the question remains, is jamun wood good for furniture? Well, it is a good option but there is much more to know.
Table of Contents
Is the jamun tree found outside Southeast Asia?
Jamun was first planted in Florida, United States by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) in 1911. However, it is now considered illegal to grow in Florida along with Sanibel. They can be seen in regions of Tobago, Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname. Apart from the US, the jamun tree is also grown in Brazil and it was introduced by the immigrants during the Portuguese colonization.
Is jamun wood great for furniture?
Jamun wood is a good choice to make furniture but not as great as oak, walnut, sal, or maple. Wood is popular in native areas for its strength and durability and is widely used to make moderate-level furniture.
It is great at resisting water and is widely used in railway sleepers or applications where wood has to remain entirely in water. Though the wood is great, the quality of furniture will also depend on other factors such as the techniques and skills of the carpenters.
Is jamun wood hardwood or softwood?
Jamun is a hardwood which means that it is dense, strong, and heavy as compared to softwoods. These things make it suitable to be used for making versatile furniture ranging from chairs and tables to beds and sofas as well.
What furniture should be made with jamun wood?
Jamun is a strong, dense, and hardwood which means that it can be used for a variety of furniture. Some of the major categories of items made by jamun wood include:
- Dining tables
- Chairs
- Beds
- Bed frames
- Cabinets
- Wardrobes
- Bookcases
- Shelves
- Picture frames
- Mirrors
- Vases
In a nutshell, jamun wood can be used to make any kind of wood items or furniture. It is suitable for furniture of regular use as well as items that have to withstand a lot of pressure and weight such as a bed.
What is jamun wood commonly used for?
Jamun tree and the jamun wood is not just bound to be used for furniture but can also be utilized in other applications such as making:
- Bullock carts wheels
- Underwater structures
- Flooring
- Ceiling
- Carvings
- Wall panels
- Handle for hammers and axes
- Firewood
Is jamun wood durable?
Yes, jamun is a durable wood that can last for years if not decades. The wood is known for its resistance to insect attacks. It is less prone to scratches, dents, cracking, splitting, and various other normal issues. The furniture can get affected by constant exposure to water, direct sunlight, and dust but if you take proper care, jamun wood furniture can stay in good shape for a very long time.
Are jamun wood furniture termite and decay resistant?
Yes, jamun wood is highly resistant to termites, pests, decay, and wear and tear. Its resistance to insect attacks is natural because of its unique composition, scents, and bark taste.
Though jamun wood is great in resistance, taking care is still essential because the furniture is not 100% immune. Protecting it from extreme temperatures and environmental conditions is also recommended.
Advantages of jamun wood furniture:
Though most of the advantages are mentioned earlier, below is the list of the pros that come with jamun wood furniture:
- Strength
- Durability
- Less prone to wear and tear scratches, and dents
- Resistant to pests/termites
- Decay resistance
- Rich dark brown color
- Smooth texture
- Ease of cut, shape, and polish
Disadvantages of jamun wood furniture:
With positives, there are always some negatives in most things in the world. The drawback of jamun wood furniture include:
- High cost
- Difficult to move because of weight
- Prone to warping
- Color variations (make it difficult to match furniture items or to identify)
- May not be found in your region all the time
How to identify jamun wood furniture?
Identifying jamun wood is a bit tricky because it resembles mahogany and some other woods in different aspects. Below are some features that can be used as differentiators such as:
- It has a dark brown color with a slight shade of purple.
- Straight, fine, and smooth texture.
- Interlocking grain patterns with knots in between.
- Heavy when moved or lifted.
- A sweet smell most like a fruity tree or any other berry tree wood.
How to take care of jamun wood furniture?
Jamun wood furniture is relatively low maintenance and you can take care of it by following practices:
- Do regular dusting and cleaning while no debris remains on the surface.
- Avoid placing the furniture under direct sunlight. Put under a shade for outdoor use.
- Avoid placing chairs or any furniture piece on uneven surfaces as this can loosen the joints.
- You may use placements or soft sheets to prevent furniture from scratches.
- Wipe off the water, juice, or any liquid spill to avoid any damage to the polish.
- Seek professional help for periodic repairs and polishing (once or twice a year depending on the usage of the furniture).
Is jamun wood easy to work with?
Jamun is in the middle in terms of working easily because of its density and hardness but still, it is much easier to cut and shape than many other hardwoods. Carpenters love to work with it because of the versatility it offers.
It is crucial to let the wood completely dry before cutting because neglecting this can cause issues while cutting as well as after completing furniture. Therefore, always buy jamun wood furniture from a store that takes the services of highly skilled and experienced carpets.
