Rubberwood (Parawood)
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. Visible small knots are common in the plantation-grown stock used for mass-produced furniture.
Color Description
Natural color is light blonde to straw-colored. This sample has a honey-oak amber stain applied. Heartwood and sapwood are difficult to distinguish; it tends to darken slightly to a more yellowish-brown over time.
Hardness Rating
960 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated. Intended strictly for indoor use.
Common Uses
Budget-friendly dining furniture, kitchen islands, cabinetry, children's toys, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Brazil/Amazon basin; predominantly grown on plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot (though usually sold as finished components or panels).
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 15 years old. The surface shows minor scratches and finish wear consistent with a modern mass-produced dining table.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. It is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree stops producing rubber (at approx. 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has high starch content which can attract insects if not properly kiln-dried. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known as 'environmentally friendly' wood. It has minimal shrinkage during drying. Can occasionally emit a faint 'sour' odor when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains very well to mimic more expensive species like Oak or Cherry. A polyurethane topcoat is recommended for table surfaces to protect the relatively soft fibers.
Identification Confidence
High. The uniform grain, specific distribution of small knots, color, and its presence in a low-cost $50 mass-market dining table are classic indicators of stained Rubberwood.