While you may have seen products made from Malaysia rubber wood in furniture store, you may not know about its increasing use as an eco-friendly building material or component.
Once it was realized that wood from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) have many of the same characteristics as its relative the Maplewood tree, many uses & applications have been found for it.
With its consistent grain pattern and easy to finish pale cream coloring, it is not surprising to see it used for products that need a flawless finish. But Malaysia rubberwood (also known as “Para wood” and “Hevea wood”) can now be found in the manufacture of rubberwood plywood and pressed lumber.
Rubberwood Building Materials for Home
There are several reasons for this, i.e. Malaysia rubber wood has a high grain density, which adds to its durability. It is also lightweight and inexpensive. So, no wonder it has caught the attention of the building industry.
It also has been found to have a “high bond strength” with industrial grade glues. When you combine this with its resistance to mold and other fungus that have the potential to cause humans serious health problems, it is not hard to understand why it would see increasing use. This especially true now that more and more homes are being over run with black mold.
Therefore, using building materials made from the Malaysia rubberwood tree could prove to be healthier for you and your family.
Also, the “recycling” of the Malaysia rubberwood tree has earned it a reputation for being better for the environment. The rubberwood tree is grown in many countries with tropical climates like that of Malaysia. The sap from the rubberwood tree has been used to make latex for many years now, but the tree itself was always burned when it was no longer useful.
Recently that has changed. Instead of burning the rubber wood, it is now processed (as treated rubber wood) and used for building materials, as well as high-end Malaysia rubberwood furniture and fixtures.
If Malaysia rubberwood building materials or components are being used by professional builders, should you consider using them for your eco-friendly home?