Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, open texture; consistent and uniform cathedral figure visible in flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Light blonde to pale cream color, sometimes with a straw-like or yellowish-brown tint. It has very little distinction between heartwood and sapwood and can darken slightly to a light tan with age.
Hardness Rating
c. 970 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack (especially powder post beetles) if not chemically treated.
Common Uses
Low-cost furniture, kitchen accessories (cutting boards, knife blocks), cabinetry, flooring, and children's toys.
Geographic Origin
Native to Brazil (Amazon Basin), but extensively grown in plantations throughout Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; likely 1-5 years post-harvest. The absence of deep patina suggests recent industrial processing.
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; it is a byproduct of the latex industry, harvested only after the tree ceases to produce rubber (around 25-30 years).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause some fuzzing during sanding. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as "Parawood." Does not have a distinctive scent but is known for high natural latex content which can occasionally gum up sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains very well due to its light color and open pores. Clear polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to prevent the wood from yellowing excessively.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic pale straw color, large open pores typical of tropical hardwoods, and the specific "fuzzy" surface texture from industrial planing are hallmark traits of Rubberwood used in export pallets and furniture.