Rubberwood (also known as Parawood or Siam Oak)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood, Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Typically straight to slightly interlocked with a medium to coarse texture. Often exhibits a large, open-pored appearance and can show subtle cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards. Small knots and sap streaks are common.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale cream or straw color. There is very little distinction between heartwood and sapwood. It tends to darken slightly to a more golden yellow over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. Highly susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or used in damp conditions. Very low resistance to rot.
Common Uses
Mass-produced furniture (often flat-pack), cabinetry, kitchen accessories like cutting boards and bowls, indoor flooring, and internal framing for upholstered furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon rainforest in South America; now grown extensively in plantations across Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot. It is one of the most economical and widely available hardwoods on the market.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/New. The lack of patina and industrial-style finish suggests a recent manufacture (within the last 5-15 years).
Sustainability Status
High Sustainability. It is considered an eco-friendly wood because it is harvested from rubber plantations after the trees have finished their latex-producing cycle (usually 25-30 years) and would otherwise be burned.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well. The main challenge is a tendency to warp during drying and occasional fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp. Low blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Mild, sour scent when working. It has a high starch content which attracts powder-post beetles and fungi if not chemically treated. It is surprisingly stable after initial kiln drying despite its low durability.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all standard finishes including lacquer, polyurethane, and oil. Requires a sanding sealer due to its porous nature. It takes stains and dyes exceptionally well, often used to mimic more expensive woods like Cherry or Oak.
Identification Confidence
High. The uniform pale cream color, open grain structure, and appearance of the finger-jointed or butcher-block style assembly are hallmarks of plantation-grown Rubberwood used in consumer furniture.