Parawood, also known as “rubberwood,” was originally found in Brazil by early 1600s explorers. Indigenous tribes in Brazil used the trees’ sap to make sport balls. Explorers were intrigued by the sap’s properties, and so brought the seeds back to Europe with them. Rubber trees were eventually found to grow quite well in Asian French Indochina, Hynan Island off of China’s coast, and Thailand. As with many maples, rubberwood produces sap, and that specifically produces rubber. Rubber tapping it is a useful economic lifespan of the tree, and traditionally, the so-called “useless” tree was then burned. However, it can also be farmed as lumber, which means it’s sustainable, a paramount feature.

Rubberwood is in fact the most ecologically friendly lumber used in the furniture industry today. Other woods, of course, are cut down just for the purpose of producing wood furniture, but rubberwood is only used after it completes its rubber producing cycle, usually 18 to 25 years long, and dies. Therefore, the wood is eco-friendly in just about every sense. This tree does not go to waste for its entire lifecycle. Rubberwood is taken from the pararubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), also often called the “rubber tree.” Rubberwood is also called parawood in Thailand, and is used in furniture production for more high-end pieces, since it has a dense grain, an attractive color, minimal shrinkage, and accepts different finishes easily. Because it’s also environmentally friendly as a wood, it uses trees that have been cut down at the end of their lives, making it much more attractive.

Oftentimes, rubberwood is misunderstood as a particular species of wood used specifically in the furniture industry. The term “rubberwood” also encourages a number of misconceptions in regard to durability and features. However, it is a type of hardwood and it’s used in the manufacture of home furnishings. It’s particularly durable and is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Rubberwood has a dense grain that can be easily controlled when it’s kiln dried. It shrinks very little, which means it’s very stable as a construction material, one of the most stable in furniture manufacturing for from dining room tables to wood bookcases.

Rubberwood lumber is very amenable to many different types and colors of wood finishes, meaning that it can mimic oak, rosewood, or other more expensive lumbers. This can actually create confusion as to the type of wood used in a particular furnishing. Rubber produced from rubber trees did have a propensity to rot, but once vulcanization was perfected, the production of rubber was increased for bicycle tire use. Later on, car tires’ manufacture also needed massive quantities of rubber trees. In fact, during World War II, so many tires were required that eventually the United States needed to substitute synthetic materials for rubber. Production continued to fall until about 1960, when rubberwood was discovered as a hidden resource. It’s almost as hard as oak and has a very nice grain, which makes it perfect as a furniture wood.

For the most part, the rubber from rubber trees is now mostly used for condoms, rubber erasers, and rubber gloves. To finish rubberwood, it’s the same as any other fine hardwood. The secret is to finish with even sanding. The smoother you sand the wood, the lighter and smoother the finish tends to be.  Don’t use your vision to determine whether or not the surface is smooth enough. Instead, use your hands and feel the entire surface, making sure there are no rough spots. Sand with a clean hand or using a sand block with the entire piece. It’s quick and easy to do if your technique is organized and you use 150 grit. Sand with the grain as well.

Amish craftsmen are known the world over for their beautiful and high-quality solid wood furniture. The Amish only use solid wood, and their creations are therefore strong and durable, lasting for many generations. In addition to using the best quality wood, their workmanship is without equal in the modern world, where most products on the market are mass-produced in factories. The Amish art of furniture making is not so much a matter of personal pride as it is a way of worshipping God through their actions.

The Amish take great care in choosing the right wood for the right project. Although they predominantly use oak and quartersawn oak, one can also find examples in cherry, maple, hickory, black walnut, cedar, and even pine. Oak’s beautiful grain lines and honey coloration make it popular in both the United States and Canada, but other styles call for different types of wood, such as cherry for Queen-Anne-style pieces. Another trend is the use of cedar for storage chests, which produces a lovely scent perfect for storing clothing and other linens. For other projects, a craftsman might choose hickory and maple for their extreme hardness and light coloring.

Amish furniture comes in a variety of styles—the most recognizable being Mission, Shaker, and Queen Anne—ranging from artfully simple to ornately curved. Other popular styles include: Traditional/Heritage, Contemporary, Bavarian, Bunker Hill, Carlisle, Hampton, McCoy, Modesto, Slat Mission, Shaker Hill, Spring Hill, Rio Grande, Royal Mission, West Lake, Southwestern, Rustic, Cottage, and Beachfront. Styles such as Mission and Shaker feature a simple square design, whereas others like Queen Anne and Bunker Hill have much more curve and ornamentation. Styles vary from area to area, although most Amish furniture comes from  woodworkers in the Lancaster and Indiana communities. What’s nice about Amish furniture is that each woodworker adds his own individual touch, rendering each piece unique.

You can find Amish furniture for any room in the house, including living room, kitchen, dining room, home office and Amish bedroom furniture. However, the most popular pieces seem to be beds, dressers, and dining room tables. A matching set in any room will complete a distinctive room décor. For a more unique look, consider a heirloom-quality baby crib or rocking chair. The newest trend in Amish pieces is durable outdoor furniture for your patio or deck. Whatever you’re looking for, there is definitely something for everyone.

Although the Amish maintain their principles and remain free from electricity, they do take advantage of diesel generators to power pneumatic or hydraulic tools to mill and construct their fine furniture pieces. This correlates with their belief system, because while electricity is supplied and controlled by the outside world, the diesel generators are in Amish control. Furthermore, they allow more time for the final finish detail work to be done by hand. Each piece of wood is carefully selected so that the colors and wood grains work together to create a pleasing effect. After an older son finishes his formal classroom schooling, his father will then train him in all the intricacies of woodworking, and so the expertise passes from generation to generation.

Until recently, Amish furniture was primarily available in antique shops and in local stores near Amish settlements. Fortunately, today a large number of those stores offer online shopping to consumers and Amish furniture is now accessible to the world. “English” intermediate businessmen either buy directly from the Amish or work with them to establish and manage an online storefront.