Rubberwood is a light-colored medium-density tropical hardwood obtained from the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), usually from trees grown in rubber plantations. It is commonly advertised as an "environmentally friendly" wood, as it makes use of plantation trees that have already served a useful function. Rubberwood is also known as plantation hardwood, or "Hevea" for the genus that the tree belongs to. Rubberwood is a versatile timber that is perfect for furniture, toys, and kitchen accessories. It has a dense grain that is easily controlled in the kiln drying process, and very little shrinkage, making it one of the more stable construction materials available for furniture. Rubberwood is easy to work with both hand and machine tools, and it glues, stains, and finishes well. However, it is susceptible to fungal and insect attack that limited its use in the past. In the 1980s, the development of chemical treatment processes allowed the wood to be more widely used for furniture making and frames. Today, rubberwood is generally treated soon after sawing by pressurized immersion in boron preservative solution to diffuse the chemicals, and then the treated timber is kiln-dried to reduce its moisture content. Rubberwood is a cost-effective option for furniture, and it is known for being durable and strong, making it a popular choice for furniture and flooring.