What is Rubberwood?
Rubberwood is a type of hardwood that’s native to the Amazon rainforest. This wood is derived from rubber trees, which are typically found in regions with low altitudes.
This wood is commonly used in the manufacture of furniture and other wood products. With rubber trees growing as tall as 100 feet in height with massive, strong roots, it’s easy to see why they should not be grown near homes.
But what is rubberwood? Is it real wood? In this post, you’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about rubberwood, rubberwood furniture, and more.
Keep reading for insight into this fascinating wood species now.
Is Rubber Wood Real Wood?
Rubber wood is real wood; it comes from the rubber tree, a tree known for its cylinder-shaped trunk that becomes wide towards its base. While native to rainforests, it’s capable of thriving in extremely dry conditions.
Besides rubber wood furniture, this tree is grown for latex extraction. However, equally important to note is that extracting latex from a rubber tree does not damage it.
Rubber tree plantations grow trees up to 25 feet tall. This is because the latex extraction process hinders their growth.
What does rubber wood look like?
Rubber trees have leaves that are cream to yellow in color. They also have a strong odor that some people find unpleasant. The wood from these trees is light brown and has a straight grain pattern.
These trees produce fruit, too. So, if you see fruit growing from it, don’t be alarmed! The fruit can grow within a radius of around 30m, allowing the tree to drop seeds and spread its genetics.
Is rubber wood good quality?
Rubber wood is known for being of top-tier quality. When it comes to hardness, this wood is on par with some other hardwoods used in furniture creation.
Notably, rubber wood doesn’t warp or shrink, making it an excellent material for furniture manufacture.
This wood is also easy to work with, allowing you to create a wide range of products from it. And, if you’re looking for environmentally friendly wood, rubber wood is a great option as it’s sourced from sustainably grown trees.
What Is Rubberwood Furniture?
Rubberwood furniture is constructed from the wood of rubber trees. This wood comes from the maple family and is often thought of as environmentally friendly because it reuses plantation trees that have served a valid and useful function. It’s highly used to carve furniture and wooden accessories.
Because of this wood’s endurance, it’s often promoted for use as furniture. Rubberwood can reach impressive heights in the wild, with a lifespan of 100 years. This tree is most frequently cultivated in Africa, South America, and Asia.
A rubber tree, sometimes known as rubberwood, may only be utilized to extract latex after it has been aged for six years. The tree is then cut down and used for interior design projects as rubberwood furniture.
This type of furniture is known for its durability, making it a good investment for those who are looking for long-lasting heirloom pieces. It’s also a popular choice for those who want to furnish their home with eco-friendly products.
Is Rubberwood Furniture Durable?
Rubberwood furniture is growing in popularity because of its durability and eco-friendly status. This type of wood is actually produced from the trees that produce latex. Once these trees are no longer producing latex, they are cut down and the wood is used to create furniture.
Rubberwood is denser than most other types of wood, which makes it less likely to succumb to wear and tear over time. In addition, the wood is also resistant to shrinking and swelling, so it will maintain its shape even in humid or dry conditions.
If you’re looking for furniture that will stand the test of time, rubberwood is a great option. Not only is it robust, but it’s also sustainable and looks great.
Rubberwood Features
Soft Texture
Rubberwood is soft to the touch, making it one of the best woods for flooring. Stepping on it after a long day of work is soothing, making it perfect for living, bedroom, and even playroom spaces. It works best in cool, dry spaces if you’d like it to last as long as possible
Longevity
Speaking of longevity, rubberwood, also known as parawood, is known for being a long-lasting wood. When taken care of, it can last for decades. This is due to the fact that rubberwood processing involves a chemical treatment process that toughens the wood and makes it stable for indoor use.
Minimal Maintenance
For those interested in wood that requires minimal maintenance, rubberwood is an excellent choice. This material is sometimes called “the most cost-efficient timber,” as it does not require any fancy sprays or ointments to keep up its natural sheen. Although it is susceptible to moisture and can shrink somewhat if it’s exposed to water consistently, rubberwood furniture is generally quite easy to care for.
Fire & Burn Resistant
While a blow torch will still burn rubberwood, it is more resistant to fire than other types of wood. This is due to the fact that the sap in the tree is not flammable. If you do happen to burn rubberwood furniture, it will not release harmful chemicals into the air like some other types of wood furniture.
Shock Absorbant
Gyms typically use rubberwood as flooring because of its shock-absorbent qualities. This type of wood provides excellent cushioning, which eliminates the risk of injury during strenuous workouts.
Elderly individuals often prefer parawood flooring because it decreases stress on the joints and relaxes the muscles. This makes it an ideal choice for those who suffer from chronic pain or stiffness.
FAQs On What Is Rubberwood Furniture?
Q. Is rubber wood long-lasting?
Ans. Yes, as a tree capable of growing up to 40 meters in open areas and 100 ft in the wetlands, rubberwood has a lifespan of 100 years. It is often thought of as eco-friendly wood and is widely advertised for its longevity.
Q. How do you maintain rubber wood furniture?
Ans. Rubber wood furniture maintenance involves dusting it weekly with a soft, lint-free cloth. You can also wash it using warm water combined with a little bit of soap. To deep-clean your rubber wood furniture, you can create your own cleaning solution containing turpentine and boiled linseed oil. This also seals the woodcuts and protects your furniture from more damage. If you’ve spilled alcohol on your rubber wood, you can add a couple of drops of ammonia. But to remove old spills, try using some rottenstone paste and lemon oil.
Q. Is rubberwood waterproof?
Ans. Unfortunately, rubberwood isn’t a waterproof material and isn’t good for use outdoors, particularly during the rainier months. The water removes the protective chemicals in the wood, making it susceptible to insects and fungi. With excessive moisture, this wood can warp and rot, meaning it’s best for use indoors.
Q. Is rubber wood termite resistant?
Ans. No, termites can eat rubber wood if given the opportunity. Even though rubberwood’s natural properties make it resistant to termites, a full-on termite infestation could be problematic if you don’t properly treat the wood.
Q. Is rubber wood better than engineered wood?
Ans. Yes, while rubberwood is environmentally-friends compared to other wood derived from rainforests, it’s also recycled and impressively grainy. Engineered wood does not share these features.
Q. Is rubber wood heat resistant?
Ans. Yes, rubberwood offers natural heat resistance. Thus, while it can still burn, it’s capable of withstanding flames and hot items being placed in its surface.
