WHAT IS RUBBERWOOD ?
Usually found in rubber plantations, Pará rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) are the source of rubberwood, a medium-density, light-colored tropical hardwood.Rubberwood is often promoted as “environmentally friendly” wood because it comes from plantation trees that have already served a beneficial purpose.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
In addition to plantation hardwood, rubberwood is also referred to as “Hevea” after the genus to which the tree belongs.The Malaysian Ministry of Primary Industries sold it as “Malaysian Oak” in 2002.
HISTORY OF RUBBERWOOD
Although it had been used on a lesser scale previously, the introduction of chemical treatments to protect the wood from fungal and insect assaults in the late 20th and earlyIts application in the production of furniture has significantly increased in the twenty-first century. Large rubber plantations with mature trees can be found, especially in Southeast Asia; historically, the trees were destroyed when their latex-producing cycle was over.
At this point, after they have finished producing latex, rubber plantation trees are frequently harvested for their wood at the age of 25 to 30. When the latex yields become dangerously low, the trees are then taken down and new ones are usually planted. Due to its renewable supply, rubberwood is now regarded as “eco-friendly”. Staining and matching tree wood is an easy operation because of its light tint and straight grain. The industry’s acceptance of rubberwood was accompanied by a global drive to discontinue the use of light, straight-grained wood that was formerly harvested from the endangered wetland ramin (Gonystylus) in South East Asia.
THE CHEMICAL TREATMENTS
Rubberwood’s use was formerly restricted due to its susceptibility to fungal and insect attacks.However, the development of chemical treatment techniques in the 1980s allowed wood to be used more widely for furniture construction and frames. Rubberwood is currently usually treated quickly after sawing by submerging it under pressure in a solution containing boron preservative in order to spread the chemicals.The treated wood is then dried in a kiln to lower its moisture content.
USES OF RUBBERWOOD
Rubberwood is easily able to have its grain density altered during the kiln drying process. Rubberwood is one of the more resilient building materials for toys, furniture, and culinary utensils since it shrinks very little. It applies smoothly and evenly absorbs stains. Similar to other hardwoods, rubberwood is rated in multiple quality categories.
It is not meant to be used outside because rain might remove the wood’s protective covering, leaving it vulnerable to insect and fungal infestations. Moreover, too much moisture can cause rot and distortion in wood.
THE SPECIAL QUALITIES OF RUBBERWOOD
Its unique properties are what make it appealing in the furniture industry.
First of all, because of its light color, which can range from pale yellow to light brown, it is a material that can be utilized in a number of interior styles.
Rubberwood’s relatively straight grain structure makes it very simple to work with during the manufacturing process.
CONCLUSION
Rubberwood is a sustainable and versatile material that is gaining popularity in the furniture industry. Because of its attractive design, reasonable price, and eco-friendliness, manufacturers and consumers find it to be a compelling alternative.
Selecting furniture made of rubberwood promotes responsible forestry methods in addition to providing products that are strong and attractive.