Choolai and Sydenhams Road, one of the biggest markets in Chennai for Timber and Plywood products, is over a 100 years old. There are both wholesale and retail dealers in the market. The trade has mostly been handed down from generation to generation and even now a majority of the businesses are family-run.

Teakwood and Kongu wood are the most popular types in the timber market. For Teak itself, there are many varieties, like Burma Teak, Malaysia Teak, Ghana Teak and local Teak. Burma Teak is the most popular of these varieties, because of its light grains and its quality as a varnish item.

Other products in the market include face veneer, burls, door inlays, decorative laminates, blockboards and hardboards. All brands of plywood are available. The plywoods are sourced from Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala and Chennai (Minjur and Gummidipoondi).

Today, with more than 600 shops, the market offers direct employment to more than 3,000 people. Building contractors, Interior decorators and Furnishers are among the main customers here.

Approach Point: Choolai and Sydenhams Road can be approached from Periamet by Maddox Street, from Pursawalkam by Hunters Road.

Sunday Holiday.