Rubber wood which posed a disposal problem in Malaysia at one time has now come to the rescue of wood industry in a big way. Due to the replanting programme, sustained availability of rubber wood is assured and currently, about 600,000 m3 of round wood is produced. The work carried out in India and elsewhere has clearly demonstrated the potential uses of rubber wood for furniture, joinery, household articles, etc. The physical and strength properties of rubber wood in comparison with other timbers are presented. Chemical treatment which is essential to overcome the perishable nature of rubber wood is emphasized and the different methods of treatment available are discussed. The paper also gives an overview of the work that needs to be carried out in India for effective utilisation of this raw material from a non-conventional source to save our forests.