Rubberwood (Parawood)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture. Features frequent 'finger joints' visible in the construction of the larger panel, indicating a butcher-block style assembly.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale straw color with occasional pinkish or brownish streaks. The sapwood and heartwood are not clearly demarcated. It turns slightly darker and more yellow with age.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated. Mostly used for indoor applications.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, trays, and interior millwork. Frequently used in flat-pack furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin) but commercially grown extensively in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (mostly sold as finished furniture components).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood (1-5 years post-manufacturing) based on the lack of deep oxidation and the modern finger-jointed construction method.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. It is harvested from plantation trees that have finished their latex-producing cycle (approx. 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause fuzzing or tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'Environmentally Friendly' wood. It has a high starch content which makes it attractive to powder post beetles if untreated. Barely perceptible sour odor when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well. Due to its large pores, a grain filler can be used if a glass-smooth finish is desired. Polyurethane is recommended for durability.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive coarse grain, pale straw color, and specific finger-jointed lamination are hallmark characteristics of commercial Rubberwood furniture panels.