Rubberwood (likely)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-textured appearance. The sample shows a flat-sawn surface with relatively uniform texture and some rough-sawn mill marks.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale straw color with yellowish-brown streaks. Heartwood and sapwood are difficult to distinguish. It tends to darken or yellow slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
935 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives shortly after harvesting.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly furniture, kitchen accessories (cutting boards), cabinetry, interior millwork, and small turned items.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Rainforest, but widely plantation-grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (economical)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern (under 5 years); the surface shows industrial mill marks and lacks significant deep patina or historic wear common in older timber.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; primarily harvested from rubber plantations after the trees have finished their latex-producing cycle (pararubber trees).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high starch content which can attract insects and can occasionally result in fuzzy surfaces if tools aren't sharp.
Notable Features
Mild, distinct scent when being worked; contain latex traces which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals; known for stability and low shrinkage after drying.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though it is quite absorbent. A sanding sealer is recommended followed by polyurethane or lacquer for protection.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the light color, coarse texture, and common mill characteristics strongly suggest Rubberwood or a similar tropical hardwood like Mango, but the rough surface texture limits certain identification.