Rubberwood (often referred to as Hevea)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood (Tropical/Plantation)
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture; identifies as flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral peaks
Color Description
Straw to light blonde heartwood that can feature pinkish or brownish streaks. Sapwood is not clearly distinct. It tends to darken to a yellowish-brown with light exposure and age.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if not chemically treated with preservatives
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), flooring, and pallet construction as seen here
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin), now extensively grown on plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (lumber grade), though utility grade in pallets is significantly lower
Wood Age Estimate
Modern industrial utility wood, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years and processed recently for pallet use
Sustainability Status
Extremely sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing rubber (approx. 25-30 years)
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its high starch content can attract fungi and it may have slight blunting effects on cutters due to latex residue
Notable Features
High starch content makes it prone to blue stain fungi; lack of distinctive scent; categorized as an eco-friendly wood due to plantation lifecycle
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, but requires a sealer or wood conditioner due to its porous nature to prevent blotching
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive light color, coarse texture, and common application in South Asian manufactured pallets/utility crates are characteristic of Hevea