Rubberwood (Para Rubber Tree)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-pored texture; features large vessel elements visible as dark streaks or lines.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale cream or straw color; sapwood and heartwood are not clearly demarcated. It turns a slightly yellowish-brown with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives; susceptible to fungal staining.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, kitchen accessories, children's toys, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Rainforest, but widely grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia) in plantations.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of oxidation and clean surface state.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; primarily sourced from plantations where trees are harvested at the end of their latex-producing cycle (approx. 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the high latex/sap content can occasionally gum up blades; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'Environmentally Friendly' wood; has a slightly sour odor when being worked; known for minimal shrinkage after kiln drying.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well; because of its light color, it is often stained to mimic more expensive woods like Cherry or Walnut.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic straw-colored background combined with the prominent, coarse vascular pores and the typical butcher-block glue-up pattern shown is indicative of commercial Rubberwood.