Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture. Features large pores that appear as dark brown lines or specks on the surface.
Color Description
Light blonde to medium tan heartwood, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tint. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. The wood tends to darken slightly to a more uniform tan with age.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, bowls), cabinetry, interior millwork, and as a core material for plywood or engineered flooring.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon rainforest (Brazil), but extensively grown in plantations throughout Southeast Asia (notably Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern and commercially processed, likely from a tree harvested at the end of its latex-producing cycle (approx. 25-30 years old).
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; considered an eco-friendly 'secondary' product of the rubber industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing latex.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a perfectly smooth surface. High starch content can attract insects if not treated.
Notable Features
Distinctively pale color with prominent vessel lines; virtually no scent; high starch content makes it prone to 'blue stain' fungus if not dried quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well including polyurethane, lacquer, and oils. Often stained to mimic more expensive hardwoods like Oak or Cherry.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light straw color, characteristic large open pores (vessel lines), and lack of distinct growth rings is diagnostic for plantation-grown Hevea brasiliensis.