Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Exotic/Tropical (Hardwood)
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open texture; lack of distinct growth rings gives it a consistent, uniform appearance across the finger-jointed blocks.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale medium straw color. Heartwood and sapwood are difficult to distinguish. Dulls to a light yellowish brown over time and tends to display dark brown streaks or spots from fungal deposits.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture; generally only used for interior applications.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, kitchen butcher blocks, cabinetry, flooring, interior millwork, and small household items like trays and knife blocks.
Geographic Origin
Originally native to Brazil but now grown extensively on plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $6.50 per board foot (mostly sold as finished panels or finger-jointed blanks).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (post-2010), likely a butcher-block style mass-produced tabletop or furniture panel.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; harvested as a byproduct of the latex/rubber industry after trees reach the end of their productive life cycle (approx. 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high latex content which can gum up sandpaper and saw blades; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as Parawood; known for minimal shrinkage and stable performance after kiln drying; emits a mild, sour odor when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear finishes well; due to its open grain, a sealer or grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired; susceptible to blotching without a pre-stain conditioner.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic coarse grain, pale coloring, and distinct finger-jointed butcher block construction are diagnostic of plantation-grown Rubberwood used in consumer goods.