Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture and large pores visible as dark streaks
Color Description
Light blonde to pale straw color with little difference between heartwood and sapwood; tends to darken to a yellowish-brown with light exposure
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack (especially powder post beetles) if not chemically treated
Common Uses
Inexpensive furniture (often IKEA-style), cabinetry, kitchen accessories like cutting boards, toys, flooring, and plywood
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon basin; extensively cultivated in plantations across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (low-cost commodity timber)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly processed plantation timber, likely harvested after 25-30 years of latex production
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; considered an eco-friendly 'byproduct' wood as trees are only harvested after their latex-producing life ends
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its high starch content can cause dulling of cutters and it requires careful drying to prevent warping
Notable Features
Sweetish scent when worked; high starch content makes it attractive to pests; often referred to as 'Plantation Teak' or 'Malaysian Oak' despite having no relation to those species
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though a sanding sealer is recommended due to its high porosity; clear lacquer or film-forming finishes are most common
Identification Confidence
High; the pale color, large open pores, and context within a Malaysian forestry/wood science document (as indicated by the 'Sains Kayu' text in the background) are diagnostic of Hevea brasiliensis.