Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the Amazon basin in South America, but extensively cultivated in plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia)
- Hardness
- 955 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay, dry-wood termites, and powder-post beetles unless chemically treated
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Grain Pattern
Straight to shallowly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light yellowish-brown with little distinction between heartwood and sapwood; often stained darker in commercial furniture applications as seen in this sample, exhibiting a rich medium-brown finish
Hardness (Janka)
955 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay, dry-wood termites, and powder-post beetles unless chemically treated
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderately low cost, typically ranging from $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot depending on processing and location
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 15 years old based on modern furniture manufacturing style, wear patterns, and surface finish integrity
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable; harvested primarily as a byproduct after latex production ceases in established plantations, not CITES listed
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, cutting boards, and interior joinery
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon basin in South America, but extensively cultivated in plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia)
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can occasionally exhibit woolly surfaces during planing and requires careful pre-boring to prevent splitting
Finish Recommendations
Takes a wide variety of finishes including lacquers, varnishes, and polyurethane exceptionally well, particularly when pre-sealed or stained to a uniform tone
Notable Features
Dense, eco-friendly plantation wood with minimal shrinkage once properly seasoned; absorbs stains and finishes very uniformly