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25

Rubber Wood:

is a light-colored medium-density tropical hardwood

obtained from the Para rubber tree, usually from trees grown in rubber

plantations. Rubberwood has very little tendency to warp or crack and

is a hardwood belonging to the Ruphorbiaceae family. 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. The wood is therefore

eco-friendly in the sense that we are now using what was going as

waste.

Eucalyptus

: grows primarily in tree form, but many shrub-like species

also exist. Trees grow from 135 to 300 feet tall, with trunks 3 to 4 feet in

diameter. Eucalyptus heartwood is red to reddish-brown, and darkens

as it seasons. Eucalyptus is used for all types of constructions, dine as

well as utilitarian, light and heavy. It is easy to saw, sand and polish, and

teaks paint well. It is a heavy wood, comparable to oak, which should be

taken into consideration when shaping it into furniture.

Teak:

has been considered by many to be the gold standard for de-

cay resistance, and its heartwood is rated as very durable. Teak tends

to be a gold or medium brown, with color darkening with age. Teak is

perhaps one of the most expensive lumbers on the market, at least for

large-sized, non-figured wood. With its superb stability, good strength

properties, easy workability- and most of all, it’s outstanding resistance

to decay and rot – Teak ranks among the most desired lumbers in the

world.