Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open texture; consistent pores and a somewhat bland figure typical of flat-sawn commercial furniture stock
Color Description
Light blonde to medium tan heartwood, often with pinkish or yellowish hues; sapwood is not clearly demarcated. It tends to darken slightly to a more golden brown over time.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives during processing
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, knife blocks), toys, and interior millwork
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin), but extensively grown on plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (primarily sold as dimensioned lumber or finished goods)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern; likely manufactured within the last 5-10 years based on the clear coat finish and typical mass-market furniture construction
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; considered a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested after the tree's latex-producing cycle ends (approx. 25-30 years)
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high starch content that can attract insects and requires careful drying to avoid warp
Notable Features
Often referred to as "Parawood" or "Malaysian Oak"; has a characteristic sour odor when being machined and contains residual latex proteins
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well; a semi-gloss polyurethane is standard for furniture to protect the relatively soft surface from dents
Identification Confidence
High; the light straw color, visible large pores, and common use in mass-produced light-duty furniture (like the stool pictured) are classic indicators of Hevea brasiliensis.