Rubberwood (also known as Parawood or Thai Oak)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain; coarse, even texture with large open pores that appear as short brownish lines on the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light blonde to pale straw color, sometimes with pinkish or yellowish tints; sapwood is not clearly demarcated. It turns slightly darker and more yellow with age/UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives shortly after harvesting.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, kitchen butcher blocks, cabinetry, toys, and small household woodenware.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin), but commercially grown primarily in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) in plantations.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (mostly sold as finished components or edge-glued panels).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from modern furniture (last 5-15 years), showing signs of wear and surface scratches in the existing clear coat.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing usable rubber (after 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain may cause some fuzzy surfaces or minor tearout during planing and sanding. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often heartwood is indistinguishable from sapwood; the wood is known for very little shrinkage during drying, making it stable for indoor furniture applications.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well; however, being a light wood with large pores, a wood grain filler is recommended for a glass-smooth finish. Polyurethane or lacquer are common.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic pore structure, straw-colored hue, and 'butcher block' lamination style are indicative of commercial Hevea brasiliensis furniture.