Rubberwood (Hevea)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-pored texture; lacks significant figure beyond standard flat-sawn cathedral patterns in larger panels.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is a light blonde to pale cream color. However, this sample has a dark espresso/mahogany pigmented finish applied. The base wood (revealed in scratches) is light tan and tends to yellow or brown slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated. Typically used only for indoor applications.
Common Uses
Mass-produced flat-pack furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), and indoor flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin), but commercially grown primarily in plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $3.50 per board foot (standard grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (post-2000), evidenced by the thin pigmented topcoat and use in contemporary consumer furniture.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested once the tree's latex-producing cycle ends (approx. 25-30 years).
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its high latex content can occasionally gum up blades. Glues and finishes well once the surface oils are managed.
Notable Features
Often referred to as "Plantation Hardwood" or "Parawood." It has very little natural scent and can contain natural latex allergens.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a sealer if using water-based finishes. Because the natural wood is very light, it is frequently finished with dark film-building stains or lacquers to mimic more expensive hardwoods.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light-colored, coarse-grained substrate (visible through the scratches) and the specific wear patterns on the dark finish is classic for mass-produced rubberwood furniture.