What is Rubberwood? Guide to Its Uses, Pros and Cons

Rubberwood is a hardwood sourced from Pará rubber trees as a byproduct of rubber harvesting and is commonly used for making furniture. Harvesting rubberwood is an environmentally friendly process that facilitates the growth of new trees that can produce rubber. Its combination of cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmental-friendliness make it an appealing option to both manufacturers and consumers for manufacturing furniture.

What is Rubberwood?

Rubberwood, otherwise known as parawood, is harvested from the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Once these trees stop producing enough latex/rubber, usually after about 25-30 years, they are cut down for rubberwood, making room for new trees to grow. This process makes rubberwood a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for furniture making.

The dense grain and minimal shrinkage of rubberwood also make it ideal for durable furniture. Here a great article on the rubberwood treatment process for converting an expired rubber-producing tree into wood for furniture and other industry use.

Is Rubberwood Real Wood?

Rubberwood is, indeed, real wood with a light-colored medium-density tropical vibe. Most people have the misconception that rubberwood is somehow “fake” or is engineered wood like particle board — this is not true. Rubberwood is also not MDF, which is itself denser and more durable than particle board. Therefore, any furniture made from rubberwood can be considered real wood furniture.

When you see larger furniture made of rubberwood (such as a desk or dining table), you may notice many parallel lines across a single wood piece. It almost looks as if there are multiple pieces fused together. This is called a finger-joint board, which glues and interlocks multiple solid, smaller lumber parts into a larger single piece along zig-zag "finger" joints. This is necessary when rubberwood trees are not wide enough to create a single large slab. The result is a single, structurally sound lumbar piece that is more resistant to warping. Finger-joint boards are common not only for rubberwood, but also for pine and other wood types.

Uses of Rubberwood

Thanks to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability, rubberwood has become a popular material for making indoor furniture. They look particularly great with a lacquer finish to give it that sleek shine. The most common furniture types that use rubberwood are:

• Dining Tables and Chairs: Rubberwood's durability as a medium-density hardwood and weight support make it great for making dining furniture. It is particular popular in Scandinavian furniture styles. 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.
• Kitchen Tools: Beyond furniture, rubberwood is also a great material for crafting wooden kitchen tools like cutting boards, knife blocks, and trays, among others.

Pros and Cons of Rubberwood

There are several advantages to using rubberwood for your home. For those who are environmentally-conscious, rubberwood is a sustainable source of wood since it's harvested from latex-producing trees that are no longer productive, utilizing what would otherwise be waste. It's also affordable given its durability, making it a cost-effective option compared to many traditional hardwoods.

However, there are some disadvantages to using rubberwood as well. Because rubberwood is a medium-density wood, it cannot match higher-density wood types such as oak in terms of hardness. Additionally, because the para tree from which rubberwood is harvested is often not as large, it is impossible to get a single slab that is large enough for table tops without finger-joining.

Take a look at our detailed analysis of its pros and cons:

Rubberwood vs. Solid Wood

As a medium-density hardwood, rubberwood is a solid wood material that is great for making durable furniture. On the other hand, it still lags behind higher-density solid woods such as oak and maple, which are both tougher and more resistant to deterioration.

Here's a better look at rubberwood vs other solid wood types:

Rubberwood vs. Oak

 

Given the popularity of rubberwood and oak furniture, it is worth comparing the two directly to provide a more detailed analysis.

Oak is a hardwood known for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain patterns. It's a traditional choice for high-quality furniture and flooring, offering a timeless appeal. However, oak furniture can be more expensive due to the slow growth rate of oak trees, making it less accessible for all budgets. Meanwhile, rubberwood is a more sustainable and more affordable choice for furniture.

Can You Stain Rubberwood?

Rubberwood can be stained to match your home's decor whether you're deciding on the colors of your new furniture or refinishing your existing furniture or kitchen tools. It's normally light blonde to medium tan so if you prefer darker colors, you can stain rubberwood by using proper techniques and conditioner to make a perfect finish. Most people really like the natural tone of rubberwood though, so a clear lacquer finish is often enough.

Rubberwood: In Conclusion

Deciding if rubberwood is the right choice for your furniture involves weighing its benefits against your specific needs and preferences. This versatile and sustainable material could be an excellent fit for many, but consider several factors to ensure it aligns with what you want and what you need:

• Sustainability Goals: If eco-friendliness and sustainability are top priorities, rubberwood's environmental credentials are appealing.
• Budget Constraints: Rubberwood's affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking great quality on a budget.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Consider whether rubberwood's light color and smooth grain match your desired aesthetic.
• Durability Requirements: Evaluate the level of durability you need, especially in high-traffic areas or for heavy-use furniture.

Additionally, rubberwood may not be the best choice for outdoor use without proper treatment and protection. It's well-suited for indoor furniture such as dining tables, chairs, and bedroom sets. 

Buy Rubberwood products at Froy

All in all, rubberwood offers a balanced mix of sustainability, affordability, and versatility. It's an eco-friendly alternative to traditional options like oak and maple, making it an excellent option for environmentally-conscious shoppers and those seeking value. If you prioritize both eco-friendly materials and budget-friendly choices, consider shopping for rubberwood furniture at FROY.