Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Exotic/Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture; visible growth rings and occasional small knots or bird's eye-like piths shown in the sample.
Color Description
Straw-colored heartwood with light brown or cream tones. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. The wood characteristically develops a slightly yellow-brown hue as it ages.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable. It is highly susceptible to decay, rot, and boring insects if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Inexpensive furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, kitchenware, toys, and small turned items. Heavily used in flat-pack furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon basin but grown extensively in plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (Note: Usually sold as finished components or panels rather than raw lumber).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently harvested (less than 1 year). The sample shows very little patina and retains a light, raw coloration typical of plantation stock.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. It is a byproduct of the rubber latex industry; trees are harvested only after they reach the end of their latex-producing lifecycle.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well, though it can have a tendency to warp or shrink significantly if not properly kiln-dried.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'Parawood' or 'Malaysian Oak'. It is known for its stability once dried and for having a mild, sour odor when green. Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the natural latex remnants.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well. Due to its open pores, a grain filler may be used for a smooth finish. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for durability.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy-yellow color, coarse straw-like grain, and specific knot structure are characteristic of commercial Rubberwood used in utility/furniture manufacturing.