Rubberwood

Hevea brasiliensis • Hardwood

Straight to slightly interlocked with a coarse, open-pored texture; lacks distinct figure but may show small 'pitted' vessels

Light blonde to pale cream heartwood with little distinction from sapwood; tends to darken to a yellowish or light brown with age and light exposure

935 lbf (Medium)

Non-durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not chemically treated

Common Uses

Low-cost indoor furniture (tables, chairs), cabinetry, kitchen accessories like cutting boards, and internal components of upholstered furniture

Native to the Amazon Rainforest, but primarily grown in plantations in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)

Low ($2.00 - $4.00 per board foot); primarily sold as finished furniture components rather than raw lumber

Modern (less than 10-15 years); appears to be a mass-produced consumer furniture piece based on the uniform color and shape

Very sustainable; harvested from plantation trees that have completed their latex-producing cycle (pararubber trees)

Generally easy to work with tools; planes and glues well, though its high starch content can attract fungi if not seasoned properly

Often referred to as 'Parawood' or 'Malaysian Oak'; has a high starch content and very subtle sour odor when being worked

Accepts stains and clear coats well; wipe-on poly or water-based lacquers are common for maintaining its light color

Medium; the pale straw color, characteristic open grain pores, and typical furniture application are classic markers of Rubberwood

Identified on 5/10/2026