vs.
We recognize that you are probably not in the furniture business, but at Standard Chair we feel an obligation to give our college chair customers a comparison of making chairs out of Traditional Solid Maple Hardwood vs. a company that uses rubber wood (AKA Malaysian Oak). We get emotional talking about this subject, please forgive us.
Rubber wood comes primarily from rubber plantations in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Pot Marks
The rubber wood surface is overwhelmed by pot marks all over the seat. Manufacturers who use this wood used to be embarrassed by the overwhelming pot marks, they would compensate by putting on an inordinate amount of lacquer to cover up the problem. In fact, U.S. consumers always think of this type of furniture as having a “piano finish”. However, the current rubber wood college chair maker has taken a different approach. They let customers see all the pot marks all over the seat. Their decision, not ours.
Latex Allergies
Latex is a primary component of rubber wood. It is important to note that latex can cause severe allergies for some people.
Porous Nature + Moisture
Because of the porous nature of rubberwood, high humidity can cause the wood to expand, potentially compromising the structural integrity of the furniture and making it unusable.
Insects
Rubber wood is vulnerable to insect infestation with over 100 kinds of insects that can cause damage.
Decay + Fungus
Rubber wood is susceptible to white rot decay. In addition, it is susceptible to fungal attacks as well.
Warping + Chemical Reactions
Please know that due to the high molecular content in the wood, it has a tendency to warp over time.
Hardwood maple is primarily grown and harvested in North America, particularly in the northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Durability
Maple wood is highly durable and can withstand heavy use over time. It is known for its strength and resilience.
Hardness
Maple wood is a very hard wood. Rating 1450 on the Janka hardness scale. (a range of numbers that determine how dense a type of wood is and how resistant it is to dents and dings.)
Rubber wood is clearly considered lower quality for furniture makers. Maple wood has a higher strength rating (1450 vs. 890-995 Janka rating) making maple more robust and scratch-resistant. Maple is known for it’s durability, making this item last a lifetime. Quite frankly, rubber wood chairs are more appropriate for a high school booster club recognition gift.
