Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture; shows characteristic small brown streaks or vessel lines that appear as short slits.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale straw color with subtle pinkish or yellowish hues. The sapwood is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood. It tends to darken slightly to a deeper tan with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated. Typically used only for indoor applications.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), children's toys, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin) but extensively grown on plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot (mostly sold as finished furniture components).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, processed timber, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep patina and modern factory finish.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree ceases to produce rubber (usually after 25-30 years). Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high starch content that can attract insects and requires chemical treatment. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as "Parawood" or "Malaysian Oak." It has minimal shrinkage during drying. It may have a faint sour odor when green or freshly machined.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well. A clear polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to protect the pale color and porous surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct vessel slits, blonde color, and butcher-block construction are hallmarks of mass-produced rubberwood furniture.