Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture and large pores visible as dark flecks. Lacks significant figure; typically manifests as flat-sawn in mass-produced furniture.
Color Description
Light blonde to medium tan heartwood, often with a yellowish or pinkish cast. Minimal distinction between heartwood and sapwood. Tends to darken slightly towards a golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated with preservatives during the drying process.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, kitchen cabinetry, butcher blocks, cutting boards, children's toys, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Originally native to the Amazon rainforest (Brazil), but currently grown in massive plantations across Southeast Asia (particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (retail), though most commonly sold as pre-fabricated furniture components.
Wood Age Estimate
Finished product age is estimated at 5–15 years based on surface wear, scratches, and common household utility use; the tree was likely 25–30 years old at harvest.
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable. It is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing rubber (approximately every 25-30 years). Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high starch content that can occasionally gum up blades. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a high-gloss look.
Notable Features
Known as 'Parawood' or 'Malaysian Oak'. It has a high starch content which attracts insects if not treated. Features very distinct, large, dark-colored pores that look like short needle pricks across the grain.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are best for protection. Takes stains reasonably well, but can occasionally be splotchy; a sanding sealer is recommended before staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic pore structure, color uniformity, and presence in a utility-style tabletop (likely a school desk or kitchen table) are classic indicators of plantation-grown Rubberwood.