Rubberwood is often the most misunderstood species of wood in the furniture industry. The name rubberwood invokes a variety of misconceptions as to it's features and to it's durability. Rubberwood (also called Parawood in Thailand) is the standard common name for the timber of Hevea brasiliensis.

In fact, rubberwood is one of the more durable lumbers used in the manufacturing of today's home furnishings. As a member of the maple family, rubberwood has a dense grain character that is easily controlled in the kiln drying process. Rubberwood has very little shrinkage making it one of the more stable construction materials availabe for furniture manufacturing.

Like maple, rubberwood is a sap producing species. In the case of maple, it is sap; in the case of rubberwood, it is latex. Rubberwood produces all the latex used in the world for all rubber based products.

There is one more important feature of rubberwood that is very important in today's world. Rubberwood is the most ecologically "friendly" lumber used in today's furniture industry. After the economic life of the rubber tree, which is generally 26-30 years, the latex yields become extremely low and the planters then fell the rubber trees and plant new ones. So, unlike other woods that are cut down for the sole purpose of producing furniture, rubberwood is used only after it completes it's latex producing cycle and dies. This wood is therefore eco-friendly in the sense that we are now using what was going as waste.

Most of our products are designed and manufactured as antique reproductions and are made of solid wood.  Many traditional construction techniques are used, including dovetailing, tendon joints, pegged mortise, handcarving, and parquetry.  Primary wood species include oak, pine, mahogany, rubberwood, teak, alder and birch.  Some of our finishes have a distressed and and antiquated  look.  Therefore, it is normal to have slight variations in dimension or finish.  Solid wood furniture is affected by humidity and atmospheric pressures, so it continually responds to its environment.  Some splitting, cracking, warping and or other movement of wood components may occur.

Knots, grain, cracks and color variations are natural characteristics of the wood and are also a result of the hand craftsmanship that gives the furniture its unique, beautiful and rustic appearance.

In certain climates, these woods may naturally expand or contract and may develop slight openings and cracks. These may occur in and between the joined panels of the piece but will not compromise its structural integrity. Openings and cracks are part of the products rustic nature. However, if desired, these may be filled or concealed using products available at most hardware stores.

For best results, we strongly suggest consulting a wood professional for any touch-ups and/or repairs.

Normal shrinkage, swelling, cracks and minor warpage of wide boards on furniture is to be expected and is not a structural defect; it is aesthetic and the nature of rustic furniture.

Care Instructions: Dust with a clean soft lint free cloth. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, water and extreme heat for periods of time. DO NOT use water or any product that contains petroleum-based chemicals, they will ruin the finish. Damages should be professionally repaired.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do these woods split?
Our wood is kiln-dried. We guarantee the seams in our furniture will not open up beyond a slight movement that may be expected with rustic furniture made with a panel construction. (Please note that a seam split differs from the natural distress of the wood.)

What is considered natural distress?
Cracks within the wood, knots, indentations and other superficial imperfections. Also, our furniture is hand-made and there are elements of that construction (filled nail holes, etc.) that can be seen upon close inspection. They blend in with the look of our furniture and add to the rustic charm.