what is rubberwood

what is rubberwood

1 year ago 32
Nature

Rubberwood is a light-colored medium-density tropical hardwood obtained from the ParĂ¡ rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), usually from trees grown in rubber plantations. It is commonly advertised as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function. Rubberwood is also known as plantation hardwood, or "Hevea" for the genus that the tree belongs to. Rubberwood is a versatile timber that is perfect for carving quality furniture, and it is flexible and strong, making it an ideal choice for making commercial cabinetry, trays, carvings, and more. Here are some key features of rubberwood:

  • Durability: Rubberwood is known for being durable and strong, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring.

  • Cost-effective: Since rubberwood is often thought of as a byproduct, it sells for lower prices than most wood.

  • Environmental impact: Rubberwood is an eco-friendly option because it is made from trees that have already served their purpose in producing rubber.

  • Chemical treatment: Rubberwood is susceptible to fungal and insect attack that limited its use in the past. However, in the 1980s, the development of chemical treatment processes allowed the wood to be more widely used for furniture making and frames.

Rubberwood has a dense grain that is easily controlled in the kiln drying process. It has very little shrinkage, making it one of the more stable construction materials available for furniture, toys, and kitchen accessories. Rubberwood is generally treated soon after sawing by pressurized immersion in boron preservative solution to diffuse the chemicals. Then, the treated timber is kiln-dried to reduce its moisture content. Rubberwood is extensively utilized to produce a wide range of furniture items, including dining tables, chairs, coffee tables, bed frames, and cabinets.

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