Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-pored texture; shows moderate chatoyancy in some areas.
Color Description
Naturally light blonde to pale yellow, darkening to a medium golden brown with age and light exposure as seen in this finished sample.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated, but stable in dry indoor environments.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, bowls), and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Basin; extensively grown in plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot; typically sold as finished furniture components rather than raw lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 15-30 years based on the yellowing/ambering of the topcoat and the wear patterns on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Extremely sustainable; harvested from plantation trees that have reached the end of their latex-producing cycle.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high starch content that can attract insects if not kiln-dried properly; finishes and glues well.
Notable Features
Low shrinkage when seasoned, faint sour odor when being worked, and often referred to as 'Parawood' or 'Malaysian Oak'.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes; however, the large pores may require a grain filler for a glass-smooth surface. Clear lacquer or polyurethane is commonly used.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive pore structure, golden-amber hue of the aged finish, and common use in mass-produced household items are characteristic of Rubberwood.