You may have heard the term before, but now that you are focusing on improving your woodworking skills, you may be wondering – what is parawood? Is this type of material worth your attention, especially for your furniture building, home remodeling, or other DIY woodworking projects?
In this article, let us look at the characteristics of parawood and learn more about what this material has to offer. Who knows? This might just be what you need for your next DIY project.
Parawood – What Is It?
Parawood refers to the specific type of wood growing from rubber trees. They are otherwise known as Malaysian Oak trees, or plainly, rubberwood. They are primarily seen in areas such as Southeast Asia and Brazil, and they are known to produce a specific type of material with a texture that is similar to latex, giving it an amazingly fine and durable texture.
Even though parawood is common in cabinetry, furniture, and several other uses, there was a time when it was not always preferred to use. This is primarily because the tree is susceptible to insect attacks and fungi growth. In the 1980s, however, tree plantations started to develop and use various chemicals that assist in the protection of rubber trees against insects and fungi, thus increasing in popularity.
Parawood Characteristics
- Height and Statures
Parawood trees tend to grow to a height of 75 feet upwards, with a diameter of 3 feet. Like a tree that serves as an amazing renewable resource, it is eco-friendly by nature. This is because parawood trees are easily felled, allowing plantations to harvest and replant fast. This procedure makes sure that plantations continue to produce latex.
- Tint and Texture
Parawood trees have interesting characteristics that make them stand out. For one, they produce a pale-yellow wood tint which is quite different from others that give off a light or dark brown color. Parawood trees are versatile for home use. Feature-wise, parawood trees are similar to other types of wood such as mahogany, thanks to their texture that is grainy and compact, making them durable and sturdy. This is one reason why many home builders, woodworkers, and even furniture makers prefer it over others.
- Indoor Use
Furniture made of parawood is ideal for indoor use, away from the snow or rain. This is because water may tend to wash the chemical treatments applied on the wood away. As such, wood becomes susceptible again to insect and similar attacks.
Advantages of Parawood
Through the years, parawood has earned the attention of furniture makers because of its advantages. Here are some of them:
- Durability
Parawood is both sturdy and durable. What makes it strong is that it is made out of a highly compact internal structure. As long as you take care of it properly, it will give you long years of dependable service.
- Soft Texture
Even though parawood is known to be tough inside, its external texture is very soft, making it ideal if you are planning to make furniture that is comfortable to sit on. This is also the reason why it is a preferred type of wood when making benches, chairs, and other furniture pieces where people would usually lie or sit down.
- Shock Absorbant
Parawood is also shock-absorbent, thanks to its soft structure. Because of this reason, parawood is also commonly seen in gyms and senior homes.
- Fire-Resistant
One of the most amazing features of parawood is its resistance to fire, which means that it will not just burn easily. Despite still being able to catch fire, it will not be able to produce smoke or fumes which are usually toxic when breathed in.
- Low Maintenance
This type of wood is very low maintenance. To ensure that it will last for over 20 years, all you need to do is to ensure that it will not rot. This can be done by applying chemical treatment and regular cleaning. Aside from that, there is nothing else to worry about.
Why Opt for Parawood?
Throughout the years, parawood has been a victim of misconceptions, especially about its safety, quality, and overall durability. However, parawood is hardwood, which means that it is strong and durable. It is also very easy to work with. It is a strong wood, thanks to its high dense grain. At the same time, it is also a soft type of wood because it is shock-absorbant, making it a good choice for hardwood floors.
Conclusion
What is parawood? It is a type of wood that comes with several interesting characteristics and features, as mentioned above. As such, it is an ideal material for making furniture. Whether you simply want to buy ready-to-use furniture or planning to manufacture one using this wood, you will find out that parawood is no doubt an amazing choice. Beauty-wise, parawood is elegant, with a reliable interior structure, and the capacity to hold a long shelf life. If performance is what you are looking for, then this wood will not disappoint you.
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