Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with occasional interlocked grain; texture is coarse and open with prominent large pores; displays a minimal cathedral figure in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale cream or straw color; heartwood and sapwood are not clearly demarcated. It turns a slightly yellow-brown with age and exposure to light; displays low natural luster.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated; very prone to fungal staining (blue stain) if not dried quickly.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, kitchen accessories, children's toys, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Rainforest (South America) but widely cultivated on plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Low; approximately $3.00 to $5.50 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern (processed within the last 5-10 years) based on the lack of deep oxidation and the industrial surface texture.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; often marketed as 'Eco-friendly' as it is harvested from rubber plantations after the trees reach the end of their latex-producing cycle (approx. 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues and finishes well. However, it can have a high latex content that may gum up sandpaper and saw blades.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'Parawood' or 'Malaysian Oak'; has a subtle sour smell when being worked; known for very low shrinkage after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and paints well due to its light color; a clear polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to protect the soft surface from denting.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pale uniform color, characteristic pore structure, and 'stippled' look are classic indicators of rubberwood often found in mass-produced furniture.