Ever wondered if that rubberwood furniture you’re eyeing is worth your investment? Let’s dive into the world of this unique, eco-friendly wood and explore its pros and cons. Are you ready?
Rubberwood is a medium-density light-colored wood that belongs to the maple wood family. It is not rubbery.
Rubberwood is a hardwood with lots of exceptional qualities that are important in building components provided at low cost.
Therefore, many woodworkers tend to move towards rubberwood for different woodworking projects.
So, let’s figure out, Is Rubberwood good for furniture?
Yes, rubberwood is good for furniture since It’s a durable, affordable hardwood often used in furniture-making. Its light, attractive color blends well with various interiors. Furthermore, it’s eco-friendly, as it utilizes trees that have completed their latex-producing cycle, promoting sustainability.
But that’s a quick snapshot.
So, in this article, I’ll explore whether is rubberwood good for furniture by considering its pros and cons, examples for rubberwood furniture, rubberwood furniture care, maintenance tips, and much more.
Furthermore, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.
Let’s jump in!
First of all, let’s get a brief knowledge about rubber wood.
What is Rubberwood?
Rubberwood is a type of hardwood derived from the Pará rubber tree, also scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis.
This tropical tree species is widespread in areas such as South America, Africa, and predominantly Asia, where it thrives in a warm climate.
It’s a versatile hardwood that possesses a medium texture, making it an ideal choice for an array of applications including furniture making, cabinetry, and even flooring.
Despite its name, it’s essential to clarify that rubberwood is not flexible or elastic. It’s a solid hardwood, just like the oaks, teaks, and maples of the world.
Its properties offer a plethora of advantages for woodworkers. It’s reasonably durable, easy to work with, and resists burning, offering potential safety advantages for certain types of furniture.
Moreover, it’s cost-effective, often being less expensive than other hardwood alternatives like ash or maple, making it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and commercial furniture manufacturers alike.
However, it’s also worth noting that, like any natural product, rubberwood has its disadvantages.
For instance, Rubberwood tends to warp due to high moisture content and is susceptible to certain insect attacks and fungal stains.
Rubberwood is also not ideally suited for outdoor furniture because of its high moisture absorption propensity.
Sustainability Matters
What truly stands out about rubberwood is its sustainability. Remember, the tree is not cut down for its wood until it finishes its latex-producing life cycle. This makes rubberwood a more environmentally-friendly choice as compared to other hardwoods that are harvested solely for their timber.
It’s also good to mention that new rubber trees are quickly replanted after the old ones are cut down, maintaining the continuous cycle of rubber and wood production, which contributes to the overall sustainability of rubberwood.
Is Rubber Wood Furniture Good or Bad?
Rubberwood is good for furniture. But that truly depends on your specific needs, preferences, and values.
If you appreciate cost-effective, sustainable, and reasonably durable furniture, and you’re planning for indoor use, rubberwood could be a fantastic choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking furniture for outdoor use or a wood that is highly resistant to pests, you might want to explore other options.
Rubberwood can be used pretty much for any furniture. It is flexible but not elastic as it sounds.
Rubberwood is a medium-density hardwood same as maple and ash.
Because of providing excellent furniture-making qualities for a cheaper price, rubberwood is popular for making commercial cabinetry, carvings, and trays.
Rubberwood has a light blonde to medium tan color that adds a unique modern look to your furniture.
Rubberwood color tends to get darker with age.
Therefore, staining and regular maintenance are needful for the rubberwood furniture.
Rubberwood is mostly straight-grained wood with sight coarse and open structure with low luster.
Heartwood and sapwood are difficult to separate because their appearance is almost the same.
Rubberwood is an environmental-friendly lightwood with a vertical fiber vessel structure that adds character to the wood.
Rubberwood is easy to work with due to its high machinability and user-friendliness.
As you can see, Rubberwood is an excellent choice for furniture making. This is why it has become so popular in the woodworking world.
Despite being a quality wood for furniture making, rubberwood is susceptible to insect attacks and prone to twists and warp.
Plus, rubberwood has high moisture absorbance which is not a wise choice for outdoor furniture.
Therefore, you need to have deep knowledge before working with rubberwood to avoid making mistakes.
Rubberwood Furniture
Here’re some rubberwood furniture that we mostly use,
- Cabinets
- Tables
- Chairs
- Cutting boards
- Butcher blocks
- Shelves
- Furniture parts
- Window frames
- Carvings
As you can see, rubberwood can use for any woodworking project.
Rubberwood is a cheap user-friendly wood with good density and strength. Plus, it adds a unique aesthetic look to your home and workplace.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Rubberwood for Furniture
As we already know, rubberwood is one of the best woods for furniture.
But you should know what the benefits and disadvantages are you’ll get by using rubberwood compared to other woods.
Because using rubberwood or not for your furniture completely depends on personal preferences and application type.
Tip:
For example, if you’re looking for wood with extremely high strength and the price tag is not a matter, better to skip rubberwood and go for a luxury wood like blackwood.
But if you’re looking for a wood that gives excellent properties for an affordable price, rubberwood is an option you should consider.
You can sort out most of your questions regarding rubberwood by looking at its advantages and disadvantages for making furniture which is displayed below.
| Pros of Rubberwood | Cons of Rubberwood |
| Scratch resistant | Susceptible to insect attacks |
| Affordable | Discoloration happens with age |
| Easy to work with | Warp and twist easily |
| Beautiful | No water resistance |
| High durability | Less in quality |
| High dimensional stability | Decay quickly |
| Hardwood | Poor weather resistance |
| Moderate density | Take a lot of time to stain |
| Sustainable | Slippery wood with water |
| Lightweight | Need chemical treatment before drying |
| Fire resistant | Not good for high-end furniture |
| Take stain well | Can cause latex allergy |
As you can see rubberwood is clearly not good for outdoor furniture.
But with proper finishing and regular maintenance, you’ll be able to keep rubber furniture nice and fresh for a long time.
Is Rubberwood Good for Indoor Furniture?
Yes, rubber is good for indoor furniture because it is beautiful, scratch-resistant, fire-resistant, and lightweight.
Rubberwood has a moderate density, and it has good resistance against cracks and shrinkages.
Even though it takes a lot of time to stain, rubberwood accepts stain so well. With proper staining and maintenance, you’ll be able to keep rubberwood indoor furniture for a long time.
Because of having a good scratch resistance, rubberwood can withstand foot traffic. Therefore, rubberwood is widely used for flooring.
According to the Janaka hardness ratings, Rubberwood has a hardness rating of 995 lbf (4,426 N) which is significantly harder than most softwoods and some hardwoods as well.
Therefore, rubberwood indoor furniture has excellent durability and high scratch resistance as well.
Rubberwood is cost efficient and with all its qualities rubberwood is well worth its price.
This is why it has become a commercial furniture building material.
On the other hand, rubberwood soaks up water like a sponge. Therefore, moisture easily penetrates through rubberwood fibers and lets them rot.
To stop the absorption of moisture you should stain and seal the wood properly before using it.
Even with proper sealing, I do not recommend you use rubberwood for extreme moisture environments such as bathroom furniture and stuff.
Rubberwood Indoor Furniture
- Cabinets
- Dining tables
- Tables and chairs
- Carvings
- Flooring
- Drawers
- Window frames
As you can see rubberwood can use in pretty much any interior furniture except for high-moisture environments like bathrooms.
So, let’s see how it goes with exterior furniture.
Is Rubberwood Good for Outdoor Furniture?
Unfortunately, rubberwood is not the best wood for outdoor furniture because it soaks up moisture like a sponge and decays quickly.
With proper finishing and sealing, you’ll be able to use rubberwood for outdoor furniture, but it needs regular maintenance and proper caring.
Rubberwood is susceptible to insect and bug attacks. Beetles, termites, and borers love to dig into the wood and make their nests.
Therefore, your rubberwood outdoor furniture will get damaged quickly.
Rubberwood loses its light color beautiful tan with age because of the sunlight. It darkens with age because of direct sunlight and UV light.
Therefore, rubberwood furniture cannot be placed in areas with direct sunlight. It cannot be used in dry and hot climates as well.
Rubberwood has no resistance from dents. By treating it with heat and steam you’ll be able to get rid of dents, but it needs a lot of time and effort to clean the wood.
Rubberwood is a heavily treated wood with lots of chemicals and a long seasoning process.
Because of those chemicals, rubberwood cannot be used for making birdhouses and cages. You’ll probably have to go for other options.
Apart from the above disadvantages of using rubber wood for outdoor furniture, rubberwood is an excellent wood to work with. It is affordable and beautiful.
By properly sealing the rubberwood furniture and making sure it won’t get impacted by harsh weather conditions, you are good to give it try using rubberwood furniture outside.
Bring the furniture inside under extreme cold or hot seasons.
Here’s some common outdoor furniture of rubberwood that should use with regular maintenance.
Rubberwood Outdoor Furniture
- Patio
- Outdoor seats
- Patio dining chair
Rubberwood Furniture Care and Maintenance
Rubberwood furniture needs regular maintenance and proper caring because they are susceptible to insect attacks, and they soak up moisture fast and cause woot to rot.
To prevent that happen you need to stay focused on your rubberwood furniture to prolong their lives.
Here’re the things you should do to protect rubberwood from environmental elements with proper caring,
- Apply proper sealer periodically
- Clean the wood regularly
- Oil the rubberwood furniture periodically
- Keep away from extreme cold and heat
So, let’s discuss each of the above methods to get an idea about how to maintain rubber furniture properly without getting things messed up.
1. Apply Proper Sealer Periodically
Rubberwood takes stain so well, but it takes lots of time to dry after applying the stain. With proper sealing and staining, you’ll be able to use rubberwood furniture both indoors and outdoors.
Protective seal coating helps rubberwood to separate from the outside world to get protected from moisture, insect attacks, UV light, and other elements.
Make sure to apply a wood sealer or stain regularly to keep the wood protected.
Because once the seal or stain faded away, the wood will quickly interact with the outside world and absorb moisture which causes wood to rot.
Once the moisture is gone inside of the wood, there is no benefit of sealing it. Because the wood will start to rot from the inside.
Therefore, regular proper sealing at least once per year is a must for better maintenance of rubberwood furniture.
By staining and painting, rubberwood not only gets protected but also improves its appearance with beautiful shades.
Use quality sealing or staining products to make the process succeed.
Here’re the steps you need to follow when sealing rubberwood for a better finish,
- Scrap out previous coatings and clean the surface.
- Sand the rubberwood surface with 150 grit sandpaper and remove sawdust
- Apply pre-stain wood conditioner and let it dry and cure
- Apply wood stain or sealer
- Let the wood dry and cure properly
Apply 2 -3 coats of stain or sealer to get the maximum finish.
Even though rubberwood accepts stains so well, it does not dry quickly.
So, you should wait for so long before one coat of stain gets absorbed and the surface is fully dried before applying another coat of stain.
Because if you apply stain when the surface is sticky, that’ll lead to many wood stain issues like blotches and streaks.
2. Clean the Wood Regularly
Clean the rubberwood surface regularly to remove dust and debris and improves its lifetime.
Clean the rubberwood surface only with soapy water once a year and wipe down the whole surface with a clean dry cloth.
Never use any other chemical cleaners to clean rubberwood furniture because rubberwood is extremely sensitive to chemicals and the wood will get damaged quickly.
Therefore I highly recommend using only soap and water when cleaning rubberwood furniture.
3. Oil The Rubberwood Furniture Periodically
Apply Danish oil or tung oil on rubberwood furniture to avoid cracks, and scratches and enhance the sheen.
Danish is a quality oil with lots of benefits. Tung oil is also the same with great qualities. They help rubberwood to get protected from moisture. They are waterproof oils.
When rubberwood furniture is placed outside after being properly treated with Danish oil, the water will get no chance to get contacted with the wood.
Because water and moisture cannot penetrate through oil coating and the wood will get protected.
Danish oil is food safe and non-toxic. Therefore, you can use Danish oil-coated rubberwood furniture for the kitchen and also as children’s toys.
Apply Danish oil periodically before the previous coat fades away once per year for better care of rubberwood furniture.
4. Keep Away from Extreme Cold Or Heat
Extreme cold and heat cause rubberwood to warp and twist. It is so difficult to keep rubberwood away from warping.
Therefore, during harsh weather conditions, cover up rubberwood furniture or place them in a safe place to protect the wood.
Continuous temperature fluctuations can damage the dimensional stability of rubberwood furniture and reduce its lifetime.
To prevent that, keep rubberwood furniture away from direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight not only damages the mechanical properties of the wood but also darkens the wood by killing its awesome look.
That’s it, folks! Now you have a clear idea about using rubberwood for furniture and how to protect them.
Is Rubberwood Good for Dining Table?
Yes, rubberwood is excellent for the dining table. It has good scratch resistance and durability.
Rubberwood is moderately heavy and strong. Working with rubberwood is easy.
Ultimately, it’s well worth the price. It is beautiful with a light color texture. With proper staining or sealing, you‘ll be able to keep a rubberwood dining table for decades with no issues.
Is Rubberwood Good for a Desk?
yes, Rubberwood is good for a desk. A desk made from rubberwood could offer several benefits, from aesthetic appeal to practical advantages.
Attractive Look
Rubberwood’s light color and fine grain make for an attractive desk that fits well with various interior designs.
From a sleek modern look to a warm, rustic vibe, a rubberwood desk can enhance your workspace and make it a more pleasant place to spend time.
Resilience
As I’ve mentioned before, rubberwood is a hardwood, making it reasonably resilient.
That’s a big plus for a desk, which needs to withstand a fair amount of use (and abuse!).
Whether it’s a heavy laptop, stacks of books, or an impromptu snack, a rubberwood desk should be able to handle it all with grace.
Affordability
Compared to desks made of other hardwoods, a rubberwood desk is usually more affordable.
This makes it a good choice for those of us who want a beautiful, solid wood desk without having to empty our wallets.
Is Rubberwood Waterproof?
Rubberwood is not waterproof. It absorbs moisture like a sponge which causes wood to rot. Rubberwood has no water resistance and no waterproofing ability compared to other wood types.
Because of not waterproof wood, rubberwood is not suitable for outdoor furniture. Excess moisture cause wood to warp and rot.
Therefore, proper sealing is a must before using rubberwood furniture, because once the water went inside the wood, the wood will get damaged pretty quickly.
Does Rubberwood Rot Easily?
Yes, Rubberwood rots so easily because of moisture and insect and fungi attacks.
Rubberwood decays and rots fast when it gets attacked by fungal and insect stains because wood absorbs moisture so well and makes a healthy environment for fungus to live in.
With proper sealing and staining, the wood will get protected from moisture, insects, and fungi and prevent wood from rotting.
Therefore, sealing rubberwood furniture before the application is a must.
Is Rubberwood Furniture Affordable?
Yes, rubberwood furniture is affordable.
Rubberwood is considered one of the cheapest hardwoods you can get with lots of interesting features like scratch resistance, high durability, high workability and so much more.
Because of being cost-efficient, rubberwood is a commercial wood for cabinetry, flooring, carvings, and much more.
Is Rubberwood a Hardwood?
Rubberwood is a hardwood with a Janka hardness rating of 995 lbf (4,426 N) which is significantly harder than most woods.
It is considered moderately hardwood which is really useful in the furniture manufacturing industry.
It comes from a hardwood family such as maple and ash.
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about using rubberwood for furniture.
FAQs
What is the durability of rubberwood furniture?
Rubberwood furniture is known for its reasonable durability; while it’s not as hard as some other types of hardwoods, like oak or teak, it can withstand daily use with proper care.
Does rubberwood furniture scratch easily?
Rubberwood, like all wood furniture, can be prone to scratching, but this can be mitigated with the use of coasters, pads, and regular cleaning.
How does rubberwood furniture look?
The wood boasts a light, attractive color and a fine grain, providing an appealing aesthetic that can blend seamlessly with various interior design styles.
Is rubberwood furniture good for the environment?
Yes, rubberwood is generally considered eco-friendly because it makes use of trees that have reached the end of their latex-producing life cycle, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Is rubberwood furniture expensive?
Compared to other hardwoods, rubberwood is generally more affordable, making it a popular choice for those wanting the appeal of solid wood furniture without the hefty price tag.
How do I maintain rubberwood furniture?
Maintaining rubberwood furniture involves regular cleaning and occasional polishing; it’s also advisable to avoid placing it in overly damp environments as it can be susceptible to mold and fungi.
Is rubberwood furniture safe for my health?
Rubberwood furniture is safe for health as long as it’s properly treated and finished; untreated rubberwood can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so it’s always best to ensure your furniture is well finished.
Does rubberwood furniture warp over time?
While any type of wood can potentially warp under certain conditions, rubberwood is less prone to warping compared to many other types of wood, which makes it a solid choice for long-term furniture use.
Is rubberwood good quality?
Yes, rubberwood is considered good quality due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and resistance to warping and shrinkage, especially when compared to other affordable hardwood alternatives.
Is rubberwood real wood?
Yes, Rubberwood is indeed real wood. It’s a type of hardwood derived from the rubber tree, scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis.
What is parawood?
Parawood, also known as rubberwood, is a type of wood sourced from the rubber tree. It’s known for its environmental sustainability and its light color, which takes stains and finishes well.
Is rubberwood safe for cutting boards?
Rubberwood is a great choice for cutting boards because it’s durable and less prone to scratches and cuts than softer woods, and it also has antibacterial properties. But, like all wooden cutting boards, it should be properly cared for and cleaned to ensure longevity and food safety.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Is Rubberwood Good for Furniture?
In this article, I’ve deeply explored whether is rubberwood good for furniture and how to use rubberwood for indoor and outdoor woodworking projects with pros and cons.
Plus, I’ve discussed how to maintain rubberwood furniture with proper care to increase their life as well.
Rubberwood is good for furniture because of its high durability, low cost, and high stability against cracks and shrinkage. But Rubberwood is not good for outdoor furniture due to its high moisture absorbance. Rubberwood is a strong, flexible, medium-density hardwood that is ideal for making commercial furniture like cabinetry, carvings, and more.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you have gained a good knowledge of your hot topic, Is rubberwood good for furniture with lots of facts and tips?
Let’s begin your next woodworking project with rubberwood and see how it goes. Keep practicing!
