posted on 05/05/2021 in Tops & Surfaces - News

What is Hevea Wood? 

VT CenterPointe Butcher Block Countertops and Chopping Blocks are available in two unique wood species, Hevea and Acacia. Hevea wood is known for its dense character and uniform grain design. 

Hevea, or more specifically, Hevea Brasiliensis in its Latin nomenclature, is a wood that derives from the maple family of hardwoods found in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. More commonly, Hevea is often referred to as Rubberwood. There are many misconceptions of the term Rubberwood in today’s marketplace, however, Hevea, or Rubberwood is actually one of the most durable woods used in today’s furniture goods. Because of its durable characteristics, such as scratch resistance, many homeowners choose to add Hevea wood to their home in forms such as countertops, islands, tables, headboards, and more.  

The look of Hevea wood provides a natural, upscale aesthetic to any space. Hevea is known for its light blonde to medium tan radiance. Some manufacturers, like VT, also provide two unfinished sides of the wood that can be used depending on consumer preference. One side of the wood typically features a heavier contrast of its light and medium tone wood grains, whereas the other side showcases a milder contrast of the wood grains. With Hevea wood, you get a stunning, one-of-a-kind, natural aesthetic as no two pieces of wood are the same. 

If Hevea is unfinished at purchase, it is recommended to finish the product following the manufacturer’s instructions. Due to Hevea’s smooth characteristics, the wood is very easy to finish. To care for the wood, it is recommended to avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaners or chemicals to clean the surface. Instead, opt for a mild dish soap and water while ensuring to dry the surface thoroughly.  

If sustainability is a top concern, you can feel good about incorporating Hevea wood in your home as it is harvested sustainably. Unlike other woods, Hevea is only harvested after it completes its lifecycle of about 30 years, finishes its latex producing cycle, and eventually dies. Doing so eliminates the air pollution that was the previous result of burning the trees after their lifecycle while also creating a good from a reclaimed source. For more information on Hevea wood or our VT CenterPointe butcher block products, please contact your Territory Sales Manager.