In this study treatability of rubberwood, timber from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) was investigated by using both pressure and non-pressure methods. Samples with 4 cm by 4 cm cross section were sawn from the logs which were harvested from a plantation located in Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. Full-cell and cold soaking methods were employed using Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) for the experiments. Samples were treated with 10% concentration of CCA for the cold soaking method while 5% concentration was used for the full cell method. Retention, penetration, characteristics of the samples treated with both methods and the effect of pressure treatment on mechanical properties of specimens were evaluated. Average retention values for cold soaking methods ranged from 1.47 kg/m3 to 12.58 kg/m3. These values were found to be 31.84 kg/m3, 32.58 kg/m3, and 34.15 kg/m3 as a result of 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours pressure treatments, respectively. Static bending properties of rubberwood reduced as pressure treatment time increased. Six hour treatment resulted in approximately 30% reduction in modulus of rupture of the specimens. Modulus of elasticity also decreased with increasing pressure treatment time.

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