Rubberwood (Parawood)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; features distinct cathedral peaks in the flat-sawn sections and visible growth rings.
Color Description
Light blonde to medium tan heartwood, often with pinkish or yellowish hues. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. The wood tends to darken slightly to a more golden brown with light exposure and age.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives, though stable in indoor environments.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, knife blocks), toys, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon rainforest (Brazil), but commercially grown extensively in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) in plantations.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The furniture appears to be 10–20 years old based on the yellowing patina of the finish and visible surface scratches and wear patterns.
Sustainability Status
Very sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the trees complete their latex-producing cycle (25-30 years). Not CITES or IUCN listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though the silica content can occasionally dull cutters. Its stable nature means it has minimal shrinkage.
Notable Features
Known as an eco-friendly wood; has a mild, distinct odor when being worked. Low natural resistance to rot necessitates treatment shortly after harvest.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for durability in furniture applications. Requires a grain filler if a perfectly smooth mirror finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic straw color, porous grain structure, and its common use in mass-produced 'flat-pack' style joinery (visible in the breadboard/miter construction) are hallmarks of Rubberwood.