Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; lacks prominent cathedral figure due to plantation-style butcher block lamination.
Color Description
Light blonde to medium tan heartwood with yellowish tints; sapwood is not distinct from heartwood. It darkens slightly to a straw-like brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture; generally used for interior furniture only.
Common Uses
Budget furniture, kitchen carts, butcher block countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and small household woodenware.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin), but commercially grown in plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $6.00 per board foot (typically sold as finished/laminated panels).
Wood Age Estimate
The wood is likely 10-20 years old since harvest; the physical item shows 5-10 years of heavy use (scratches, dents, and surface dirt).
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; considered an eco-friendly wood as it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested after the trees stop producing sap.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filler for a perfectly smooth finish.
Notable Features
Often referred to as Parawood; has a subtle sweet scent when being worked; known for minimal shrinkage after kiln drying.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in utility use; mineral oil or butcher block conditioner if used for food preparation.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic golden-tan color, coarse pore structure, and 'strip' lamination are diagnostic of mass-produced Rubberwood furniture.