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I am considering Rubberwood for Wardrobes and Kitchen as I would like the minimise the use of plywood as much as possible. Please share your experience and pros and cons of using Rubberwood instead of Plywood.
Also it will he helpful if anyone who has already used rubberwood for this purpose can clarify the below queries.
1. What are rates for rubber wood panels and where can we good rate for this in Bangalore preferrably east side of the city
2. How are the carpentor charges for doing wood work with rubber wood instead of plywood, is it more or less than plywood. and can carpentors who usually work on plywood do the finishing properly using rubberwood.
4. What kind of finishing can be given for rubberwood for internal and external. What is the rate for this finishing/polishing is it the same as Veneer or less/more.
5. Can rubber used for both carcass and shutter of the wardrobes and kitchen.
6. How much is the increase in the overall cost, if rubberwood is used instead of plywood (not just for the shutters but for entire woodwork)

Also I am worried about rubberwood giving a very traditional look for the interiors, is it possible to get a modern/contempory looking interiors with rubberwood.

Thanks for your valuable response in advance..

Adding some more info based on the research I did for last couple of weeks.
1. There are not many places to buy rubberwood in Bangalore and its available only with select Timber merchants.
2. Rubberwood fingerjoint boards are available in 12, 18, 25 mm thickness and different qualities like AA, AB etc based on the finish of the sides.
3. RUBCO seems to be good brand as it is from Kerala government and there are other brands like rubwood, woodline etc which are other manufcaturers of rubberwood mostly from Kerala.
4. Rates of 18 mm board is about 150 per sqft for RUBCO and 130 per sqft for other brands. 12 mm board is only 10 rs less than 18 mm boards.

Appreciate feedback from forum members about the usage of rubber wood for interior wood work..

Good inputs....are these water proof by any chance??? 'coz applications at the kicthen mandates this requirement. As far as modern looks are concerned, you could laminate acrylic sheets.

It doesnt look like rubber wood is waterproof as I read in some places that the glue that is used for finger joints are not completely waterproof.. Please can you eloborate more about laminating with acrylic sheets and what could be cost associated with it. Based on the feedback I have received so far about the problems associated with rubber wood boards like bending and expansion/contractions in different seasons I am thinking of dropping the idea of rubberwood and going with plywood for the wood work.

I have used rubber wood for my kitchen and if you use PU polish then it will become waterproof. PU i recommend ICA.
Thanks

Dream_home, Good to hear know you used rubber wood for your kitchen, did you use rubber wood only for the shutters or for the cabinets also? Where did you purchase the rubber wood from? I believe PU polish is costlier than Melamine polish, can you please share the cost per sqft for PU polish..

i used only for shutters. ask for A grade. There are lot of vendors. you can procure from RUBCO also. For PU engage an painter supply the material and get it done. it is not rocket science. Sanding is very important here. Then apply sealer sand again using 320 and 400 paper and then apply sealer. repeat this for 3 coats and then use PU polish using spray. So you will require less polish. Now a days Asian has also released PU pack. You can get in Berger and MRF paints also. ICA is best.
Thanks

Rainbow_flat, Did you conclude on using rubber wood?. How was you experience?.

I have dropped the idea of using rubberwood for 2 reasons - overall cost of rubberwood (120 persqft vs 60 to 70Rs for plywood) and difficult to find a good carpentor who can do rubberwood work.
I think rubberwood can be used for shutters as done by dream_home, doing the entire work using rubberwood is costly..

Hi,
Rubber wood work should be done carefully such that the joints are not seen and most joinery should be done like solid wood works. Tongue and groove joints are used to fix a box or shutters .Never use less than 18mm board for any kind of boxes or shutters.25 mm thk is recommended for making shutters with glass in between.

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
www.ardesarchitects.com
ardesarchitects@gmail.com