Wood species

The second life of rubber wood

Rubberwood is another gift that nature gives us. You would think that once it has fulfilled its primary role of providing the latex that forms the basis of natural rubber, its job is done. But not so, in fact, not any more. When it becomes useless to the recipients of latex, it becomes a very important source of wood for furniture, flooring or toys.

Hevea brasiliensis, as the rubber tree is scientifically called, is native to Brazil's Amazon rainforests. Because of its importance, acclimatization in other areas has been attempted since the 19th century. The first areas were British colonies. Gradually crops appeared in south and south-east Asia and now, in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, there are 70% of the world's total number of rubber trees.

rubber wood
photo source: greenandgrowing.org

Although still found in the wild, the rubber tree grows mainly in plantations. It needs a tropical and subtropical climate, protected from frost (frost alters the properties of latex, making rubber inelastic). It grows to 25-30 m in height, with a diameter between 0.3 and 1 m. The tree produces latex until it is 25-30 years old, after which it is no longer useful for latex production. In the past, trees were felled and burned immediately to make room for new crops. They were not used otherwise because the wood was very susceptible to attack by fungi, insects and molds. Sometimes it would also get infected from the knife used to cut the latex.

rubber wood
photo source: greenandgrowing.org

With the development of chemical treatments after 1980, wood could be used to make furniture. Immediately after cutting, the wood is impregnated with substances that make it resistant to attack by insects, molds and fungi, after which it is dried and turned into lumber,

rubber wood
photo source: alibaba.com

timber panels

rubber wood
photo source: khemkaplyland.com

or veneer.

rubber wood
photo source: alibaba.com

Rubberwood has a uniform, straight-grained structure with large to very large pores arranged in no particular arrangement.

rubber wood
photo source: wood-database.com

Sometimes brown minerals and gums are found in the pores. The color of the wood is light, pale yellow, sometimes with short brownish streaks. With age the color darkens. There is no difference between sapwood and heartwood, and the annual rings are distinct.

rubber wood
photo source: wood-database.com

It is easy to process, both mechanically and by hand, and can be glued and colored without problems. In production it has an annoying sour odor, which disappears after processing. Contrary to its name it is not a resilient wood, having the characteristics of a hardwood. In Malaysia it is officially called Malaysian oak. After drying it is very stable, with no dimensional variations and no cracking. It is recommended for indoor use for furniture, toys, or kitchen furniture and accessories. Outdoors it should not be used because rain can wash away the protection against insects, mold, mildew and fungus, making it vulnerable.

rubber wood
photo source: verstock.com

It is used to make tables and chairs,

rubber wood
photo source: silvercoastcompany.com

or bedroom furniture

rubber wood
photo source: aliexpress.com

or kitchen. Like any hardwood, it stains beautifully, evenly, but it can also be used in its natural color, with the little brown streaks giving it a special charm. It can be finished and antiqued to very interesting effects.

rubber wood
photo source: isinteriors.co.nz

Being a hardwood, it is successfully used for flooring, even heavy traffic floors. Its dimensional stability also makes it suitable for use in high humidity areas such as kitchens. Another very important advantage is the lower cost compared to similar hardwood.

rubber wood
photo source: friendofkariann.com

It's also used in the kitchen to make mincers,

rubber wood
photo source: oempromo.com

trays and even platters.

rubber wood
photo source: alexpress.com

It's one of the materials used a lot in toys.

rubber wood
photo source: aliexpress.com

Rubberwood is considered an environmentally friendly material. The rubber tree is one of the few species that is immediately replanted after felling. Crops are used after their primary role has ended. It is, as I said, a beautiful gift that this generous tree gives to all of us.

rubber wood
photo source: aliexpress.com

About the author

Mihaela Radu

Mihaela Radu is a chemical engineer but has a great passion for wood. She has been working in the field for more than 20 years, wood finishing being what defined her during this period. She gained experience working in a research institute, in her own company, as well as in a multinational. She wants to continuously share her experience with those who have the same passion - and more.

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      • Mrs. Mihaela, I have bedroom furniture made of solid wood, initially it was waxed but over time the wood has dried, this year I have decided to paint it but I do not know what to do to avoid damaging it!The kitchen furniture is made of veneered straw and it also looks dry, please if you can help me with some advice!Thank you very much!

        • Good evening,
          If it has been waxed it is still best to wax to apply. Wax goes away over time and if the surface is not rewaxed, the wood remains loose and dries over time. Waxing is done easily with commercially bought wax. A small amount is applied with a rag and then polished with cotton rag or pasla.
          To apply varnish you should first degrease the surfaces very well (with thinner or water with vinegar) because varnish has no adhesion on wax, then gently sand the entire surface and then apply the varnish.
          If it were my furniture I'd go for the waxed version.
          Good luck!

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