Rubberwood (Para Rubber Tree)
Hevea brasiliensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the Amazon rainforest (Brazil), but now extensively plantation-grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia).
- Hardness
- 990 lbf (Medium); comparable to Black Cherry or Teak in hardness.
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated. It is essentially an indoor-only wood unless chemically stabilized.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; occasionally exhibits a slight ribbon-like figure when quartersawn.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
990 lbf (Medium); comparable to Black Cherry or Teak in hardness.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated. It is essentially an indoor-only wood unless chemically stabilized.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
