Rubberwood
Hevea brasiliensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, but extensively cultivated in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia) and West Africa for rubber production.
- Hardness
- 955 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to fungi, decay, and insect attack if not treated)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a coarse, even texture, showing visible finger-jointed blocks indicating engineered manufacturing.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light yellowish-brown with minimal difference between heartwood and sapwood. It has a medium luster and may darken slightly to a light straw or golden hue upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
955 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to fungi, decay, and insect attack if not treated)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Low to Moderate ($3.00 to $5.00 per board foot equivalent, commonly sold as pre-made panels)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern (less than 10 years old), kiln-dried and recently processed into edge-glued or finger-jointed panels.
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable. Sourced from plantation rubber trees that have reached the end of their latex-producing lifecycle, often certified by FSC.
Common Uses
Interior furniture, tabletops, cabinetry, flooring, cutting boards, and various turned items.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, but extensively cultivated in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia) and West Africa for rubber production.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocking grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts almost all finishes well including polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, oils, and stains. No special preparation required beyond standard fine sanding.
Notable Features
Contains natural latex and sugars before treatment, making it prone to mold and insect attack unless chemically treated or kiln-dried. Extremely stable due to engineered panel construction.