Cumaru Decking – Brazilian Teak Hardwood Decking

Cumaru – one of best choices for decking out of all the Brazilian hardwoods – has become very popular in the United States in the last decade. It is extremely hard and durable with a lifespan of over two decades. This wood is naturally biodegradable, unlike many of the composite materials used in modern decks.

Cumaru Decking known as Brazilian teak is considered as one of the densest woods which is very durable, and ideal for deck building. This Brazilian species is like Ipe making it difficult for less trained eye to differentiate. It usually comes in two variants: yellow and red Cumaru used for decking and commercial application. Sometimes you may come across slight stability issues and shrinkage issue but Careful kiln drying may produce a good decking product. Like all lumber supplied by ABS Wood, this wood meets high standards for social, economic and environmental responsibility. When you build a Cumaru deck you will own a durable, stronger, and genuinely beautiful outdoor retreat.

Specifications:

A native of the South American rain forest, Cumaru trees have developed a natural resistance to rot, decay and insect infestation, even after they have been cut down. The result is a wood that can be reliably depended on to last for 25 years or more without preservatives. In addition, this grows at a much faster rate than other Brazilian hardwoods such as the popular but far more expensive Ipe wood. For this reason, it is considered a renewable wood resource that does no harm to its native habitat.

Cumaru Decking Characteristics:

One of Cumaru’s most noticeable and appreciated features is the pronounced grain that graces every piece. While quite evident through a simple sealant coating, the grain can be highlighted with any number of stains. Homeowners will be delighted with the way the wood stands out as decking,fencing or even as seating.

Cumaru Decking Color:

The natural color of this wood runs from a medium tan to a deep reddish brown. While specific lots are matched according to the order, there will be variations across larger orders as with any hardwood. In most cases, these variations serve to complement the natural charm of the wood and create a unique setting wherever it is installed.

Cumaru Decking Hardness:

In technical terms, Cumaru comes in at 3540 lbf on the Janka scale. This number is significantly higher than other “hard” woods such Hard Maple (Janka 1450 lbf) and oak (Janka 1360 lbf). Cumaru is also highly resistant to any type of scratching.

Cumaru Decking Durability:

The natural environment of the Cumaru tree exposes it to a wide variety of extremely hot and damp weather conditions as well as the onslaught of thousands of varieties of insects, fungi and other pests. For this reason, the Cumaru tree has evolved a very dense core that maintains its resistance even after installation as a deck.

Cumaru Decking Preservation:

While this wood is highly durable and damage-resistant, it does react to the UV rays in sunlight. If not properly treated and protected, this wood will gray with age. The simple application of a finisher with UV blocking will retain the beautiful color for years of enjoyment. No additional maintenance is required.

Cumaru, again known as Brazilian Teak, is another popular hardwood used for decking. Its termite resistance and low maintenance and lower price make it a compelling alternative to Ipe or more traditional materials.   Here’s a detailed table outlining the characteristics of Cumaru decking:

Characteristic	Description
Color	Cumaru decking has a wide color variation, from a golden tan to a reddish-brown, often with dark grain accents. The color can deepen to a rich brown over time.  Long-term will gray unless a UV blocker finisher is applied.
Texture	It has a fine to medium texture with an interlocked grain, giving it a smooth finish after proper sanding.
Hardness	Very hard; Cumaru has a Janka hardness rating of about 3,540 lbf (15,750 N), making it resistant to dents and wear.
Weight	Cumaru is dense, weighing around 68 lbs/ft³ (1,090 kg/m³). Its density contributes to its durability and strength but makes it heavier than many traditional decking woods.
Fire Resistance	It offers good fire resistance similar to other dense woods like Ipe, making it a safe choice for decking.
Workability	The wood’s density and hardness make it challenging to work with. Carbide-tipped blades and pre-drilling for fasteners are necessary.
Stability	Exhibits good stability with minimal expansion and contraction, although less stable than Ipe, it still performs well in various climates.
Expansion/Contraction	While it has good dimensional stability, Cumaru can expand and contract with changes in moisture levels, though less so than softer woods.  4% to 6%
Termite Resistance	Highly resistant to termites and other insects due to its natural oils and dense structure.
Buoyancy	Given its high density, Cumaru is less likely to float when compared to lighter woods.