Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture; includes prominent knots and occasional wavy figure around limb inclusions
Color Description
Pale blonde to light yellowish-brown heartwood and sapwood with little distinction; light straw color that darkens slightly to a medium tan with age or UV exposure
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 furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, indoor flooring, toys, and small kitchenware items
Geographic Origin
Originally native to the Amazon Basin; now predominantly grown in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) in plantations
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Low to Moderate; approximately $3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on regional availability and processing
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood (25-30 years); harvesting typically happens after the tree's latex-producing cycle ends
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; often marketed as "environmentally friendly" because it uses plantation trees already harvested for latex
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause some tearout; saws and planes cleanly but can have high starch content that gums up blades
Notable Features
Often has a slightly sour odor when being worked; known for its stability and low shrinkage after drying; high starch content makes it prone to discoloration if not dried properly
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear coats well; film-building finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to protect the open pores
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light straw color, coarse open grain, and the specific knot structure is characteristic of plantation-grown Hevea brasiliensis used in commercial mass-market furniture