Rubberwood “Hevea” is a type of wood that comes from the rubber tree. It is known for being durable and robust, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring.
One interesting thing about rubberwood is that it is an eco-friendly option because it is made from trees that have already served their purpose in producing rubber.
Origin
The rubber tree is also known as Pará rubber tree, scientifically named Hevea brasiliensis, is native to the Amazon region and grows around the world. However, rubber trees are mostly grown in Southeast Asia.
Rubberwood has a medium-density weight with a medium-coarse texture. It is a light yellow-brownish colored and has a straight grain and a smooth texture, making it suitable for a wide range of application.
Using rubberwood for furniture had benefits such as: known as a cost-effective, naturally comes in a light color, and the eco-friendly nature of rubberwood makes it a popular choice among homeowners and furniture shoppers of all lifestyles.
“Rubberwood has good qualities suitable for making furniture, packaging materials and other wooden products. It has white to pale cream color, which when dried becomes light brown. Its reasonably good strength properties make it a durable material for furniture,”
Rubberwood is widely used for many purposes:
- Dining Tables and Chairs: Rubberwood’s durability as a medium-density hardwood and weight support make it great for making dining furniture. Their lighter natural hue also offer furniture makers a lot of flexibility in finishing it with various color tones.
- Cabinets and Shelving: Similarly, the material’s durability makes it suitable for storage solutions as these must support weight for long-term shelving storage.
- Bed Frames: Rubberwood’s hardness and consistency makes it ideal for bed frames as it has a straight grain and is not prone to warping and cracking
Rubberwood is sturdy and durable, making it good for making furniture.
Is rubberwood a good wood?
Yes, rubberwood is a good wood. It’s strong, durable, and eco-friendly. It’s also easy to work with and resists warping, making it a great choice for furniture and flooring.
Is rubberwood a real wood?
Yes, rubberwood is a real wood. It comes from the rubber tree and is commonly used for furniture and flooring.
Is rubberwood the same as MDF?
No, rubberwood is not the same as MDF. Rubberwood is a hardwood obtained from the rubber tree, while MDF is a composite wood product made from wood fibers and resin. Rubberwood is solid and durable, while MDF is engineered and composed of compressed wood fibers.
Is rubberwood good for outdoor furniture?
No. We do not recommend using rubberwood for outdoor furniture due to its susceptibility to moisture and weather damage. It’s best suited for indoor spaces where it can maintain its quality and longevity. Consider other hardwoods or outdoor-specific materials for furniture meant for outdoor use.
Is rubberwood better than pine?
Rubberwood is generally considered better than pine in terms of durability and sustainability. While pine is softer and more prone to dents and scratches, rubberwood offers a sturdier option with similar affordability, making it a preferred choice for furniture that needs to withstand everyday use.
Sources:
- https://ssr.vn/rubberwood-hevea-general-information-and-application/#:~:text=The%20rubber%20tree%20is%20also,mostly%20grown%20in%20Southeast%20Asia.
- https://usvintagewood.com/pros-and-cons-of-rubberwood-for-furniture/
- https://froy.com/blogs/tips/what-is-rubberwood-guide-to-its-uses-pros-and-cons#:~:text=As%20a%20medium%2Ddensity%20hardwood%2C%20rubberwood%20is%20a%20solid%20wood,and%20more%20resistant%20to%20deterioration
- https://cameroontimberexport.com/rubberwood-vs-solid-wood/
- https://fprdi.dost.gov.ph/427-rubberwood-furniture-could-be-the-next-big-thing