Rubberwood, also known as parawood, is grown in Asia and is sometimes harvested for its sap, which contains latex. The rubberwood tree produces latex sap for approximately 20 to 30 years before it begins to dry up. At that time, the tree is cut down and lumbered into wood for furniture, and a new tree is planted in its place, thus making the rubberwood tree an environmentally friendly wood. Despite its name, rubberwood is not a soft or flexible wood. Rubberwood furniture is sturdy and solid. Does this Spark an idea?
Density
Rubberwood is considered a hardwood and is part of the maple family. It is very durable and rarely warps or cracks. It is hard to scratch with everyday things such as kitchen utensils, fingernails, or pens and pencils.
Look and Feel
Rubberwood is a light-colored wood with a slight grainy look to it. It is similar to that of oak, though its grain is not as as defined or heavy as that in oak. If you run your hand over a piece of rubberwood (unfinished) furniture, it would feel smooth, and the chances of getting stuck with a sliver would be almost impossible, but you would feel the grainy texture in the wood.
Finishing
Rubberwood stains very well. Because it has a natural light undertone, it holds true to the stain color that is used on it. Whereas pine, which has a very yellow undertone, and alder, which is very red, often change the stain coloring, rubberwood is similar to that of maple and the undertones of the wood are subtle. Rubberwood also paints well because of its smooth texture.
Types of Furniture
All types of furniture are made from rubberwood. However, it is most commonly used for building kitchen furniture because of its strength. You can also find tables, bedroom furniture and office furniture in rubberwood.
Where to Buy Rubberwood Furniture
Rubberwood furniture can be purchased at most big box stores, such as Walmart, Target, and Ikea. The furniture that you find in these stores are usually finished pieces. There are also stores that specialize in unfinished furniture.
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