Brazilian teak, otherwise known as Cumaru (also Brazilian chestnut) is loved not just because of its exceptional hardness (it is harder than most hardwoods), but also because of its natural beauty that doesn’t require staining. Teak comes in shades of almost-golden yellow-browns to deeper red-browns, which go excellently with any interior decor and even outdoor decking schemes. Cumaru is mostly found in the rainforests of South America and is sufficiently abundant to make it a renewable, environment-friendly resource. It has many beneficial characteristics that it practical alternative to more expensive hardwoods.
Teak has a proportional strength of 3,540 pounds according to the Janka hardness scale. This number is three times as high as that of red oak, which only has a Janka rating o 1,240. Contributing to teak’s hardness is the wood’s tight, dense grain. The same feature allows the material to withstand fungi, mildew, and ultraviolet damage and to resist rotting. This is true whether the wood is used outside the home as a decking material or inside the home, for flooring.
Brazilian teak is naturally oily. This helps it resist stain well and prevents moisture from penetrating deep into the wood. Its grain density also makes the wood easier to keep clean, making it a low-maintenance option for those who want the elegance of true hardwood floor. Teak’s delightful shades of brown also get better as time goes by, as this wood ages excellently. Because teak is already oily, homeowners are advised against adding any more oil finishes, as it may take very long to dry, if it will ever dry. Suppliers of high-quality Brazilian teak recommend moisture-cured and water-based finishes for the best results. Cumaru is an ideal, eco-friendly choice for different interior and exterior home applications. This wood is in abundance in South American rainforests and grows quite fast, making it a true renewable resource.