Parawood comes from the Pará rubber tree, a tropical hardwood often cultivated on rubber plantations and known for its light color and moderate density. The countries of Central America and Indonesia are two of its primary regions of production. Plantation hardwood, also called Malaysian oak or plantation hardwood, white teak, or the species Hevea, is another name for this wood.
Latex is another name for the sap that the parawood tree produces. It is eco-friendly since it employs plantation trees that have reached the end of their latex production cycle, and new trees are subsequently planted. Therefore, wood comes from a sustainable resource. The Central American, Indian, and Indonesian regions are the original homes of these trees.
Parawood: what is it?
Parawood is a kind of hardwood tree native to Southeast Asia. Rubber farms cultivate this tree in Indonesia and Central America. This is a light tropical wood, as seen by our furnishings. Each new Parawood tree is replanted from a seed taken from a tree already in existence when the original tree was cut down. Therefore it has a low impact on the environment. As early as 5 or 6 years old, these trees begin to exude a latex-like fluid that lasts until the tree is 25 or 30. The maximum height of these trees is 80 feet!
Can you describe the properties of Parawood?
Parawood, which is often used by the furniture industry, is a dense hardwood with a grainy texture that is comparable to mahogany in appearance. A Parawood tree can reach a height of 75 feet and a diameter of 3 feet. When the tree is fully mature, it will provide a latex harvest for around 25 years before it has to be replaced.
The high starch content, however, is what first draws in the pests and molds. Because of this, degradation occurs relatively rapidly. To keep the wood from decaying from insect infestation and fungal development, periodic treatment is required. In fact, with the proper chemical treatment, parawood might endure for more than twenty years. It's probably best if you don't leave it outside in the rain or snow. Your chemically treated wood may be ruined if it gets wet. Once again, this will leave the wood vulnerable to insect infestations and other such threats.
Could Parawood be used to make furniture?
Parawood's durability and adaptability make it an excellent choice for various furniture projects. Furniture from this very light-colored wood looks great in modern spaces because of its inherent sheen and brightness. It's also simple to apply finishes and carve into unusual forms, making it an excellent material for artisan furniture and cabinetry.
When and how should Parawood be treated?
Parawood furniture is built to endure, but there are steps you can do to prolong its beauty and durability. The color and health of this wood may be severely damaged by exposure to direct sunshine, heat, or dryness, so take care to avoid these situations. Second, it has to be cleaned often with soap and water, but you must dry it thoroughly afterward since water is the enemy of this wood. Applying a fresh coat of furniture wax, lacquer, or varnish may enhance the look of the wood and protect it from dings.
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