Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; visible medullary rays and prominent growth ring boundaries often seen in plantation lumber.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale yellow-brown heartwood with little distinction from sapwood; uniform color throughout that darkens slightly to a straw-like medium brown with age.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack (especially powder post beetles) if not treated with preservatives.
Common Uses
Low to mid-range furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), flooring, and interior millwork; often marketed as 'Parawood'.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin) but now widely grown in plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $6.00 per board foot (standard grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (post-1980s); the table style and finish suggestions point toward 20-40 years old.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; considered an eco-friendly 'secondary' product of the latex industry, harvested after trees stop producing rubber.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; saws and drills cleanly, though high latex content can occasionally gum up blades.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'environmentally friendly' wood; has a very high starch content making it prone to blue stain if not processed quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well once properly sanded; polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to provide a protective barrier against moisture.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic light straw color, open vessel pores, and the specific application in mass-produced pedestal furniture are diagnostic of Rubberwood.