So, I bet you heard the word rubberwood and thought to yourself "what-wood?". Well, you're not the only one so we're here today to tell you all about what rubberwood is, where it comes from, and why it's taken the furniture industry by storm!

First things first, let's dispel some confusion - rubberwood is actually a type of hardwood, it gets the unusual name for the properties and uses of its sap, which is used to make rubber and latex products.

Now let's find out everything there is to know about rubberwood, its uses in furniture and lastly some maintenance tips from our team!

#1 Where it all begins

Rubber trees (scientific name Hevea Brasiliensis) also known as Malaysian oak, are a tropical hardwood grown in Asia, Africa and South America. They can grow over 40 meters tall and can live up to 100 years!

#2 Rubber rules the world

Rubber trees' most famous feature is the milky white sap, known as latex. Other plants produce latex too, but none so prodigiously and easily as rubberwood. In fact, most latex worldwide comes from rubber trees! This latex is then used in tyres, gumboots, rubber bands, rubber hoses… the list goes on and on.

#3 Eco-friendly to the max

Rubberwood is used only after it completes its latex producing cycle. This means the wood is extremely eco-friendly since we're using what would have otherwise gone to waste! New rubber trees are then planted to continue the cycle, without needing to destroy forests and disturb natural ecosystems.

#4 Amazingly durable

A common misconception we hear from our customers is that rubberwood must be a softer type of wood - its named rubberwood after all, isn't it? Well, not quite... rubberwood belongs to the maple family, a true hardwood! In fact, rubberwood is one of the most durable woods used to manufacture furniture. It's strong, flexible and very resistant to damage and the day-to-day wear and tear that you'd expect in a cafe or restaurant.

#5 Versatile

Another prized quality of rubberwood is its straight grain and amazing ability to take on stains and colours in a uniform manner. What this means for you is you can get our rubberwood tops in a wide range of different stains and washes. We find the darker stains, Gold Walnut or Montana Walnut, go great with understated classical and vintage looks. Blue Wash, Ash Oak and Grey wash on the other hand, go beautifully with a modern or industrial vibe. Type the word "rubberwood" in our search bar and explore the wide range of rubberwood products we keep in stock.

#6 How to care for rubberwood furniture

Sometimes the simple methods are the best - simply use soapy water and a clean cotton towel, then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. We recommend you use a cotton towel or other similar materials, as Chux and microfibre towels can catch the wood fibres and gradually lift them, making your top visibly splinter over time. To keep your tops looking tip-top (oh yeah, pun intended) we recommend using a furniture wax to maintain them, this will keep them looking their best for longer and help your tops last for years on end.

#7 Keep it inside

Unfortunately, because rubberwood takes stains and colours so well, it also absorbs water quite easily. Because of this, rubberwood is not suitable for outdoor use. Rain can also leach the protective chemicals from the wood and while rubberwood is loved by manufacturers for its low shrinkage, if left to sit, water can still cause your top to warp or bow. We recommend keeping your tops inside so they keep their beautiful colours and finishes for longer.