Rubberwood (Hevea Wood)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture. The image shows a flat-sawn appearance with large pores typical of the species, though it has been significantly altered by a dark mahogany-style stain and artificial distressing (fly-specking).
Color Description
Naturally light blonde to medium tan, but this sample is stained a medium brown/mahogany. The sapwood is not distinct from the heartwood. It typically stays pale but can develop a yellowish cast over time if not sealed properly.
Hardness Rating
990 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives (which most commercial rubberwood is).
Common Uses
Inexpensive mass-produced furniture (like the piece pictured), kitchen accessories, toys, flooring, and cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon rainforest, but now extensively grown in plantations throughout Southeast Asia (notably Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot; primarily sold as finished furniture components or finger-jointed panels.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-15 years). The surface shows characteristic modern factory distressing (black ink spots to mimic antique wear) and a contemporary polyurethane-based topcoat.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing rubber (at about 25-30 years) and is frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high starch content that can attract insects and can occasionally result in fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
High starch content; lacks a distinctive odor; often found in 'Ready-to-Assemble' (RTA) furniture; may cause reactions in individuals with severe latex allergies.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains very well to mimic more expensive hardwoods like Maple or Walnut. A film-building finish like polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to protect the relatively soft surface.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The visible large pore structure, combined with the context of the factory-applied finish and 'fly-speck' distressing, is highly characteristic of Asian-manufactured rubberwood furniture.