Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture and large pores visible as small brown lines
Color Description
Light blonde to medium tan heartwood with little to no distinction from sapwood; features occasional pinkish or yellowish streaks and dark brown sap streaks, often darkening slightly to a straw color over time
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives
Common Uses
Mass-produced furniture, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), cabinetry, flooring, and toys; frequently used as a sustainable alternative to Oak or Maple in flat-pack furniture
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Rainforest (Brazil), but commercially grown in plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot; typically one of the most affordable hardwoods due to its status as a plantation byproduct
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-15 years); the visible edge-glued finger joints and surface wear suggest a contemporary mass-manufactured household item
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; categorized as an eco-friendly wood because it is harvested from rubber plantations after the trees complete their latex-producing cycle
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its latex content can sometimes gum up blades and sandpaper; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Often called 'Parawood'; contains natural latex which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals; known for minimal shrinkage after kiln drying
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well; film-building finishes like polyurethane are recommended to protect the soft, open-grained surface from moisture and scratches
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive large pore structure, light straw color, and the construction method of edge-glued narrow strips are characteristic of commercial Rubberwood furniture