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Mahogany, teak, jarrah - all names that you'd usually associate with high quality furniture. Unfortunately, demand for these timbers have seen vast swathes of deciduous and tropical forest habitat destroyed. Items now made from these trees are incredibly expensive.
But rubberwood? It probably doesn't stir up the same sort of associations of quality, but you'll soon start seeing it incorporated into furniture and other timber products more often.
Rubberwood comes from.. you guessed it.. the rubber tree (aka Pará rubber tree or Hevea brasiliensis). The rubber tree exudes a latex sap, the world's primary source of natural rubber.
Rubber trees have a straight trunk and grow an impressive 75 feet or more over their lifetime and mature trees have a diameter of around 3 feet. They are grown in densities of approximately 90 trees per acre. Over 36 million acres of rubber trees are currently being grown in the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America.
Tapping latex from a rubber tree
The trees are harvested for their latex each year, but by the time they get to around 30 years old, latex yields decrease to the point that it's not commercially viable to tap the tree any more.
In the past when the rubber tree reached this stage, it would be felled and burned on the spot or chopped up for firewood to make way for a new tree - but the wood is now being used extensively in furniture, flooring, construction and even toys. Given their large size, a single tree can provide a great deal of timber.
Rubberwood is strong, flexible, resistant to fungus, bacteria and mold. It's compatible with most industrial adhesives, easy to work with and has a beautiful grain suitable for quality furniture.
From simple toys, to dining settings to intricate furniture, rubberwood is suited to many purposes
The wood is a pale cream to yellowish brown color and is easy to stain to gain deeper colors. The finish adaptability is rated at 94% of that of teak under standard conditions and comparable to beech for workability.
While the clearing of rainforests to date to make way for rubber plantations is very regrettable, it's great to see that rubber trees are now being used for more than just their sap and firewood - it's an incredibly versatile tree and given there's no shortage of supply, there's great economic potential for the countries involved in the rubber industry. Maybe the added value of the tree will mean these countries won't have to knock down more forests as they'll make more from the land already under under plantation - one can only hope.
So next time you're out shopping and you see rubberwood furniture or products, don't let the name of put you off; it's an eco-friendly, sustainable and high quality wood!
Added note from Michael: since first publishing this article, I've had a lot of requests about sourcing rubberwood in the USA and many questions I haven't been able to answer regarding the product as I'm not a rubberwood expert. So, I'd like to make note of a company that is - Bingltd.com is an importer and supplier of rubberwood to US buyers.
According to their site, Bingltd.com sells rubber wood grown, harvested and processed in
Malaysia, sourced via rubber tree replanting programs to ensure continuity of supply and preservation of the
environment. If you're looking to import rubberwood either as furniture components or dimension wood, you contact them here.
Why do you say that the rubber tree belongs to the "maple family"? It belongs to the spurge/Euphorbia family. Maple is Aceraceae. There does not seem to be any relation between them besides the fact that they are both trees.
Comment #2
(Posted by Michael [Green Living Tips])
Chris, thanks for the correction. I came across that information in a few pieces I read while researching for this article. After digging around some more after your comment; as you point out, the fact they are both trees seem to be the only commonality :). I've corrected the article - thanks again!
Comment #3
(Posted by gene eide)
This is my first encounter with a wood I didn't know was marketable. To facilitate information (re:) this tree and it's uses, a sample of the grain and a crosscut section, would enhance this article.
Comment #4
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Gene, thanks for your feedback. Some further information on the properties of rubberwood including an image of a grain sample can be found here:
I am looking into wood worktops for the kitchen. I came across rubberwood worktop. Check on the wood brought me here. My concern is the environmental cost of bringing the wood to Europe, UK in particular. When that is taken into account, is it still good for the environment?
Comment #6
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Hi Ireene - good point. I guess the question to ask yourself relates to what your other choice would be. Would it have been a wood from old growth forests, marble that may have come from a closer source, but weighs far more, a man-made substance loaded with all sorts of chemicals; or locally and sustainably grown wood? If it were the latter, then that would have likely been the best choice - the other options is where things start to get murky. It makes it very hard to choose when you don't have all the information required in order to make a decision, so sometimes we can only base our purchases on the info we have.
Comment #7
(Posted by Ireene-Sointu)
Thanks for your reply. I shall have to try and find out where the other wood worktops come from and then decide. I like the look of the rubberwood. Thanks again.
Comment #8
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Ireene-Sointu, the other option I forgot to mention is reclaimed wood. This is becoming increasingly popular. Wood is salvaged from old buildings etc. and repurposed. You might want to try running a few searches on Google for: reclaimed wood benchtops
Comment #9
(Posted by Ireene-Sointu)
Thank you for this, Michael. I had not thought of this possibility for worktops. Perhaps, because when I have looked at other reclaimed things they have been very expensive. Some more time has to be spent on surfing the net:) Thanks.
Comment #10
(Posted by L. Fitzgerald)
I am considering purchasing a desk made of rubberwood from Pottery Barn Teen for my child. I have a couple of concerns regarding rubberwood before I buy it. (1) Do you know if the desk will have a strong odor like other latex/rubber products (for example, the latex backing on sisal and seagrass rugs has a horribly strong odor until it eventually dissipates) or is it odorless like the latex found in mattresses? (2) Do you know if there could be potential latex/rubber allergies or skin sensitivities with rubberwood products?
Comment #11
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Hi L. - I've never noticed that rubber type smell on the furniture pieces I've looked at; but I'm not sure on the allergy side of things.
Comment #12
(Posted by Jeremy Salomon)
Hi,
I am living here in the Philippines and came across to this very remarkable article because I'm interested of doing a rubber tree plantation. Is it possible to direct me to any support group or any organization in the Philippines that could help me realize my interest?
Thanks
Comment #13
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Hi Jeremy, I think the University of Southern Mindanao could be a good first stop as they do a lot of research on the local rubber industry and could likely point you in the right direction:
http://www.bpre.gov.ph/PhIndustry/rubber.htm
Comment #14
(Posted by Danielle R)
This is in regard to the first comment comparing Maple to Rubberwood. Rubberwood is like Maple in that it is considered a hardwood and accepts wood stain comparable to Maple. It is difficult to find information on staining Rubberwood and this comparison has helped me complete my staining projects. Hopefully t will help others as well.
Comment #15
(Posted by Armen Panosian)
Excellent information on this little known type of wood. I found out about it when I was researching an eco-friendly type of wood for our high-end solid wood closet organizers manufacturing. After extensive research and trial samples, we made a conscious decision to switch production from Poplar to Rubberwood. The decision was made for several reasons, as mentioned above in this article; the density, strength, stain ability, resistance to fungus and bacteria, and most of all, eco-friendly nature of Rubberwood. Even though production cost is higher, we are providing a better product, and much better alternative to chemical filled processed wood, and best of all, its eco-friendly.
Armen Panosian
CEO
www.solidwoodclosets.com
Comment #16
(Posted by jose)
please tell me whether rubwood is water proof/ water resistant. i am considering it to make kitchen cabinets in high humidity environment
Comment #17
(Posted by Jessica M)
I have just purchased a rubberwood table, and absolutley love it! Does anyone know the best way to clean rubberwood? I cant seem to find anything online, is pledge okay???
Comment #18
(Posted by Sharon)
I had never heard of a rubber tree & recently bought a crib made of this tree. Wanted to research as the store didn't have a clue either that there was such a tree. This was the first site I picked to do so & I can not tell you how much I fell in LOVE with ALL of the info. you offer. WOW! Became a favorite book mark instantly. I'm a eco friendly buyer & it was awesome to find that my crib is eco friendly too.
Thank YOU soooooo much!
Comment #19
(Posted by Jim )
Do you know what the JANKA hardness rating is for this wood?
Thank you
Comment #20
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Jim, Rubberwood has a Janka hardness rating of 995 (between Cherry and Teak) according to a few entries I found around the web.
Jessica, wipe down with a cloth dipped in warm soapy water and well wrung out.
Jose, I see rubberwood bathroom furnishings advertised, so I assume it's suitable in a high humidity environment.
Comment #21
(Posted by Kate)
Hi, I have a rubberwood desk and I'm considering on getting a rubberwood dining table. My question is, can you refinish this would? I've read that it takes stain well, but what about removing stain and changing the appearance? I like solid wood furniture, so I can change it if I want to. Thank you, Kate
Comment #22
(Posted by Rob)
Hey, I was just curios if there is a company or manufacture that makes kitchen cabinets out of (rubber-tree wood) aka Para wood? I have noticed a lot of furniture, from computer desks, book shelves, dinning tables and entertainment centers made from this. Rubber-tree wood should be a great inexpensive structurally sound alternative to oak, cherry or maple normally found in the construction of cabinets. Let me know your thoughts or if you have any answers…….Thanks
Comment #23
(Posted by Paul Martin)
Yes, kitchen cabinets made from rubberwood are available from Armstrong Cabinet Products. See armstrong.com.
Comment #24
(Posted by Lee Jimerson)
I came across this article looking for alternative trade names for Rubber wood. Isn't it still referred to as Malaysian beech? Are there any other trade names that come to mind?
The success of rubber wood over the last 25 years has been wonderful to watch. Once burned in piles, now utilized - once they figured out how to stop the blue staining in the green lumber.
I used to import rubber wood and other tropical species, so would like to add my 2 cents...
Rubber wood is prone to blue staining when it is green, so they have to dip treat the green wood before air-drying and kiln-drying. So, it's not chemically free as someone mentioned. Years ago, the chemical was anything but environmentally friendly. I would like to know what the current practice is for preventing blue staining.
Okay, I'm biased because now I'm selling a U.S. grown and manufactured plantation species, Pacific Albus (http://www.collinswood.com/WoodProducts/PacificAlbus.html), that can be used in many of the same applications as rubber wood, and is Forest Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org) certified.
To address the transportation issue, as fuel becomes a larger factor going forward, we are going to have to become more regionalized in our wood usage, compared to the last 100 years. Rubber wood is great for products made & used in the tropics. Pacific Albus will be great for similar products made and used in the Pacific Northwest.
We all need to regain our regional focus on all goods we use, whether it is food or consumer goods. Some things will always need to be traded, but not nearly as much as we have in the past. Higher fuel rates in the future will naturally cause us to look closer to home, but if your are environmentally conscious, ask yourself how many miles something has traveled to get to you and consider that, along with everything else (is it FSC certified? organic? Fair Trade? Salmon-Safe? etc) in your purchase.
Comment #25
(Posted by Julie)
What about bookcases? I'm thinking about purchasing bookcases made from rubberwood but want to be sure the shelves won't bow from the weight of books. If you think the wood is OK to use, should the shelves be at least a certain thickness?
Comment #26
(Posted by kayla j)
I am making a wodden educational toy, for a male child aged 3-4 years, it must safe, it also must be durable and be strong. my chosen concept is wooden animals,Would i benifet form usinf rubberwood?
Comment #27
(Posted by Jim)
Good article on the species and good to know where a US supplier is located. Thanks for posting the information. I just bought a dinning room set and 10 saddle stools ....all made from rubberwood. I actually like the texture and grain of the wood better than almost any of our domestic hardwoods (Oak, maple, etc).
Comment #28
(Posted by Gary)
thanx lee....was just going to go and buy bsby furniture that was made from rubber tree wood. i guess i'm going to have to research how they get the streaks out of it. i also agree with you on buying an american product! only problem is that i cant seem to find any. i live in western ny and would love to know where i could find it. i found a little bit of canadian & didnt care for the style. i would even be willing to drive a couple hours to go and get it. any help would be great
thanx-a-million
gary
Comment #29
(Posted by Hsien)
Kayla, I made a wooden toy a couple years back using rubber wood, it's till in great condition, and if properly processed u can get a great smooth finish out of it, no matter the shape!! A thin layer of varnish was all i needed to maintain it for the last 3 years in a tropical country, constantly exposed to humid conditions!! XD so, i have to say. It's my favorite wood to work with. Easy to shape, and environmentally friendly too.
Comment #30
(Posted by Tamra)
I purchased my kitchen set less than a year ago. I was absolutely gorgeous for about a week. The table top is covered with fog spots and the seats of the chairs are completely covered with scratches. I'm very disappointed in the durability but more disappointed that I wasn't told how delicate this furniture is. Has anyone had luck with refinishing using traditional products? Even sand paper, a cloth and then staining again to freshen the finish.... any thoughts would def help! Thx
Comment #31
(Posted by Yohanes)
Hi Mike,
The link for rubber wood supplier bingltd.com is no active.
If I may, our company ariatimber.com is a wood working company mainly dealing in Rubber wood. Right now, about 95% of our production is in rubber wood, and we obtain our rubber tree only from plantations that are no longer productive.
You are absolutely right when you mentioned that these trees used to be burnt or used as firewood after they are no longer producing latex.
We're basically a custom order company, making furniture components, mostly making fingerjoint laminated boards and profiles for various products. An example of our product, would be the legs of benches, and even the legs of Yamaha's Electrical Pianos. Yes, they are made of rubber wood.
Comment #32
(Posted by j w)
Rubberwood is a beautiful, sensuous wood. I've come across it for many small household items and have just discovered it for furniture. I was surfing for a new bed. It solved the problem of which to choose, those that were not rubberwood were eliminated. I checked this site to find out if rubberwood really is the rubber tree and whether it is a sustainable wood. It's great to find out how very versatile rubberwood is and that the older trees are now used instead of being destroyed. I recommend it to anyone.
Comment #33
(Posted by Kurt)
EGADS! I hate to burst the green bubble here but I have dealt with rubberwood furniture since the late 80's when the tidal wave of super cheap furniture from Asia put almost every US or Canadian furniture maker out of business. The wood of choice was rubberwood, though they never called it that. I understand that the usage of the trees sounds like a wonderful idea due to their usable lifespan for latex or rubber being limited, but furniture should not be the choice. Though the woods tight grain give good tensile strength and it is hard; it WARPS like mad regardless of its dryinig. If the movement were not enough the resins present in the wood prevent top finishes from fully bonding not to mention glues. When you do wind up with a piece of rubberwood furniture that has a problem I NEVER found a quality woodworker that would touch it. Most would just suggest you cut your losses and toss it and look for something with better quality.
The main reason this wood burst on the market was because it was CHEAP, not for eco responsibility - sorry. Let this wood stay where it comes from .. far far away from here. If you can not afford a quality certified wood piece please do not add to our landfill glut, shop vintage, tag sales or thrift shops. Find one that needs some work, I guarantee a woodworker will smile at you for bringing them a solid piece from the 30's to 70's maybe the 80's...not cringe when you bring in a year old table warping and peeling.
