Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, but predominantly plantation-grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam).
- Hardness
- 955 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay, marine borers, and powderpost beetles if untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture and diffuse-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light yellowish-brown with little distinction between sapwood and heartwood; low to medium natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
955 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay, marine borers, and powderpost beetles if untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, approximately $3.00 to $5.00 per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent, typically harvested from mature plantation trees around 25 to 30 years of age.
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable; harvested from plantation trees at the end of their latex-producing lifecycle.
Common Uses
Furniture, interior cabinetry, flooring, children's toys, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, but predominantly plantation-grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam).
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the open pores benefit from grain filling for a smooth finish; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, paints, varnishes, and lacquers very well, though a sanding sealer or grain filler may be needed for a perfectly glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Contains residual latex sugars making it susceptible to insect attack if not properly treated; stable after drying and environmentally friendly due to its plantation origin.