Last Updated on March 1, 2022 by
Rubberwood is a tropical hardwood that is light-colored and medium-density. It is obtained from the para rubber trees that grow in rubber plantations after their useful cycle in the production of natural latex. Rubberwood is suitable for furniture since it is available in different shades, finishes, and has beautiful grains.
Rubberwood is an eco-friendly product that reuses plantation trees after their purpose of latex extraction is over. While the wood is not very durable, treating it with preservatives makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. This type of wood is commonly used to make chairs, desks, kitchen accessories like knife blocks & cutting boards, cabinetry, and interior millwork.
This article highlights the qualities of rubberwood that make it suitable for furniture making and the pros & cons of using it. Read on!
What Qualities Make Rubberwood Suitable For Woodwork Projects?
Woodwork is a perfect choice for many woodwork projects, including furniture making. Some of the qualities include;
1. It can be easily sawed and machined to produce a reasonably smooth surface.
2. It is easy to control in the kiln during the drying process due to its dense grains
3. It has a good strength of lumber which makes it easy to use both machine and hand tools when working with it
4. Rubberwood is low-cost, and it holds nails and screws in place.
5. It takes in stains properly and can be painted to give your desirable appearance.
What Are The Advantages Of Rubberwood Furniture?
Rubberwood is easy to use when making furniture, especially by hand. The wood is easy to finish, stain, and paint. Its furniture has several advantages, including;
Easy To Care For The Furniture Pieces
Caring for rubberwood furniture is a simple process. You only need to use a solution of mild soap and water to wash the surface and then dry it with a clean, dry piece of cloth. You also need to avoid standing water on your furniture pieces which could damage the applied finish. You can also use paste wax on the furniture to lighten it, but remember to remove the waxes to prevent dust accumulation. This wax could also turn yellow if left for long on the surface.
The wood does not also require ointment and sprays to maintain its natural sheen.
Durability
With proper cure, rubberwood can last long, just like hardwood. This material gives a stable profile for flexible applications such as making tables, chairs, and other items. The furniture pieces can last for between 15 to 25 years when taken good care of.
It Is Sustainable
Using rubberwood for furniture can be a sustainable investment. This product comes from trees whose purpose of latex harvesting has been achieved. Rubberwood is harvested from plantation trees whose rubber production cycle is over, preventing the trees from rotting.
Using the trees for rubberwood creates room for planting more, making it environmentally friendly and a worthy investment.
It Provides Proper Shock Absorption.
Rubberwood has better shock-absorbent characteristics than other wood products. When used in furniture production, rubberwood provides comfort and cushioning. This property makes the furniture pieces suitable for those people with physical challenges and the elderly. The support and comfort help decrease stress and promote better movement.
Cost-effectiveness
Rubberwood is thought of as a by-product, making it cheaper than most wood. Though of good quality, its furniture may sell at a lower price than that from other types of wood.
It Takes Stains Better Than Others.
Rubberwood is very effective for those who want to change the appearance of the furniture. It takes finishes and stains well to suit its setting and taste.
Resistant To Burn, Fire, And Molds
Rubberwood furniture is resistant to burn, such as those from a cigarette butt. This timber also has antimicrobial properties that prevent molds, fungi, and bacteria damage. If the wood catches fire, it will not release dangerous greenhouse gases.
What Are Some Disadvantages Of Using Rubberwood For Furniture Making?
Rubberwood furniture has some disadvantages as well, including;
Its Structure Changes As It Dries Out
Rubberwood has a high moisture content that makes it twist and warp as it dries out, challenging the curing process. This problem makes it impossible to get uncured rubberwood for furniture production, which translates to a high cost of production.
The high moisture content makes rubberwood take long time to dry out. It can take up to half a year for younger trees to dry entirely and at least one year for the older ones before being used for furniture.
It Is More Susceptible To Damage.
Rubberwood furniture can be easily damaged as compared to other kinds of timber. This product gets discolored when exposed to direct sunlight, which may destroy the surface’s finishing over time. The spills from water and alcohol may also damage the furniture finishing if allowed to sit on it for an extended period.
The Furniture Pieces May Get Dents Over Time.
Since rubberwood is moderately hard, its furniture can get dents upon any impact. But, these dents can be repaired by adding more finish. The dents could also be fixed by using a little steam and heat. A hot iron, washcloth, and a towel may be used to do this. You need to drape the item over the dent and leave it for about one minute. Doing this helps the rubberwood to swell, thus removing the dent.
Not Suitable For People With Latex Allergy
Furniture pieces made from rubberwood are unsuitable for those allergic to natural latex. You can know that you have this allergy when your skin reacts upon using such furniture. If you experience severe reactions, be sure to avoid the furniture entirely even if it is sealed.
Conclusion
Rubberwood is a hardwood from the maple family suitable for carving wooden accessories and furniture. It is an environment-friendly product that reuses plantation trees whose rubber production has been achieved.
It is strong, flexible, and one of the finest timber for making furniture. It can also help make commercial trays, cabinetry, carvings, among other items.
