Rubberwood (also known as Parawood)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-textured grain. Visible small, dark pores are characteristic of the species.
Color Description
Light blonde to straw-colored yellowish-tan. Sapwood and heartwood are rarely distinguishable. It can darken to a medium brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated. Very little natural resistance to rot.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, butcher blocks), cabinetry, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin); extensively cultivated on plantations in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (post-harvest processing); likely a contemporary mass-produced surface based on factory sanding marks.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; harvested from plantation trees that have already completed their latex-producing cycle.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though its high latex content can occasionally gum up blades.
Notable Features
Often referred to as "environmentally friendly" wood. Has a mild, characteristic scent when being worked and contains natural latex.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well. Due to its uniform color, it is often stained to mimic more expensive woods like Cherry or Walnut.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the pale uniform color, characteristic dark distal vascular bundles (pores), and its common use in utility surfaces like the one pictured is diagnostic for Rubberwood.