Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open-pored texture; lacks prominent cathedral figuring due to systematic saw patterns.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale cream/tan heartwood; sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. It exhibits a subtle yellow-brown oxidation over time and has a medium luster.
Hardness Rating
980 lbf (Medium classification)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack (powder post beetles) if left untreated beyond indoor environments.
Common Uses
Low-to-mid range furniture (IKEA-style chairs, tables), cabinetry, cutting boards, and internal components for upholstered furniture.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin) but extensively grown on plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (standard retail)
Wood Age Estimate
Finished product is likely 5-20 years old; wood was harvested after its 25-30 year latex-producing cycle.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; primarily a byproduct of the latex industry, FSC certification is widely available for plantation-grown stock.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, screws, and nails well. However, its high starch content can lead to blue stain fungus if not dried quickly after milling.
Notable Features
Characteristic sour odor when freshly cut; heavy starch content attractive to pests; often sold under the marketing name 'Malaysian Oak' or 'Parawood'.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and paints well because of its uniform light color; clear polyurethane or lacquer is most common for furniture applications.
Identification Confidence
High; the light uniform color, coarse texture with visible pores, and typical furniture application (tapered chair leg) are consistent with Rubberwood/Parawood.