Rubberwood (Para Rubber Tree)
Hevea brasiliensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; occasionally exhibits a slight ribbon-like figure when quartersawn.
Color Description
Light blonde to straw-colored yellowish-brown, sometimes with reddish tints. Sapwood and heartwood are not clearly demarcated. It tends to darken slightly to a more uniform tan with age.
Hardness Rating
990 lbf (Medium); comparable to Black Cherry or Teak in hardness.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated. It is essentially an indoor-only wood unless chemically stabilized.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, fruit bowls), wooden toys, and interior flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon rainforest (Brazil), but now extensively plantation-grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $5.00 per board foot; widely considered an economical alternative to traditional hardwoods.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 2-10 years post-harvest; the sample appears to be from modern utility-grade furniture with a commercial polyurethane finish.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; it is an eco-friendly 'secondary' crop harvested after the tree's latex-producing cycle (25-30 years) is complete. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the high latex/sap content can occasionally gum up blades. Sands well and glues easily.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'plantation hardwood'; has a slightly sour odor when being worked. Known for minimal shrinkage and good dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and paints well due to light color, though a sealer is recommended for the open pores. Polyurethane or lacquer is standard for furniture applications.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic light yellow-tan color, distinct open pores (vessels) visible on the face grain, and common furniture-grade appearance are diagnostic for Hevea brasiliensis.