Rubberwood (Parawood)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain; coarse, open texture with prominent pores; occasional small knots or swirls visible in the flat-sawn face.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale cream color with yellow or pinkish-brown streaks; sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. It can develop a slight yellowish-brown tint with light exposure and aging.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated; primarily intended for indoor use only.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, kitchenware, indoor child-safe toys, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Originally native to the Amazon Rainforest; now majorly grown on plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (varies by region and volume).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood (25-30 years); typically harvested after the tree's latex cycle has ended.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; primarily a byproduct of the rubber industry (harvested from rubber plantations once latex production ceases). Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, screws, and nails well. Its high latex content can occasionally gum up blades.
Notable Features
Often referred to as 'Environmentally Friendly' wood; has a slightly sweet smell when being worked; known for its low shrinkage and stable dimensional properties.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, although it is often used with a simple clear polyurethane or lacquer to maintain its light natural color.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light color, large vessel pores, and the specific tight, straight grain with slight cross-grain figure is characteristic of plantation-grown Hevea brasiliensis.