Rubberwood (likely with Mahogany or Dark Cherry stain)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-pored texture; visible medullary rays; the grain is plain and uniform as seen in this mass-produced furniture piece.
Color Description
Naturally light cream to straw colored; however, this sample has been stained to a medium reddish-brown. It shows a dull luster and some 'pitting' common in tropical hardwoods.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attacks if not treated. Very stable when seasoned.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, cabinetry, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Rainforest, but now primarily sourced from plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (standard lumber price; often sold as pre-fabricated panels).
Wood Age Estimate
10-20 years based on the wear of the topcoat and the style of the miter joint assembly found in late 20th/early 21st-century residential furniture.
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing rubber (approx. 25-30 years). Not CITES listed.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high tendency to clog sandpaper due to natural latex resins; glues and finishes well once seasoned.
Notable Features
Often called 'Malaysian Oak' or 'Parawood'; contains natural latex remnants; may cause reactions in people with severe latex allergies; very low shrinkage.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a sealer due to its porous nature; takes stains well (as shown); polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for durability in furniture use.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure, uniform grain, and application in a mitered table frame with an inset (slate/tile) are classic indicators of stained Rubberwood common in imported furniture.