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Cumaru Wood

Dipteryx odorata · Brazil, Peru, Venezuela

Exotic Hardwood
$$
Janka Hardness
3,330 lbf
Density
64 lbs/ft³
Fire Rating
Class A
Durability
20+ years
Color
Golden brown to reddish-brown
Price Range
$$

About Cumaru

Cumaru, often marketed as "Brazilian Teak," is one of the best-value exotic hardwoods available. With a Janka hardness of 3,330 lbf — nearly as hard as Ipe — Cumaru delivers outstanding durability and natural decay resistance at a significantly lower price point. Its warm golden-brown to reddish-brown color and pleasant vanilla-like aroma (when freshly cut) make it a beautiful and practical choice for decking, flooring, and outdoor construction. Cumaru's natural oils provide excellent weather resistance without chemical treatment, and it carries a Class A fire rating similar to Ipe.

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Shop Cumaru by Application

Key Characteristics

  • Exceptional hardness (3,330 lbf Janka) — nearly as hard as Ipe
  • Class A fire rating
  • Natural oils resist rot, decay, and insects
  • Pleasant vanilla-like aroma when cut
  • Naturally slip-resistant texture
  • Excellent dimensional stability
  • No chemical treatment needed
  • Weathers to attractive silver-gray

Common Applications

  • Residential and commercial decking
  • Hardwood flooring
  • Outdoor structures and pergolas
  • Siding and cladding
  • Heavy construction
  • Marine and dock applications
  • Boardwalks
  • Pool decks

Maintenance & Care

Apply a penetrating hardwood oil once per year to maintain the warm golden-brown color. If left untreated, Cumaru will weather to an attractive silver-gray over time. Clean annually with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing above 1,200 PSI.

Advantages

Outstanding value — Ipe-level hardness at a lower price
Beautiful warm golden-brown color
Natural decay and insect resistance
Class A fire rating
Long 20+ year lifespan
Pleasant vanilla aroma
Good availability
No preservatives needed

Considerations

Can have color variation between boards
Requires pre-drilling for all fasteners
Natural oils can affect some finishes and adhesives
Very hard on standard cutting tools — use carbide
Heavy weight makes handling challenging
Some boards may have interlocked grain
Color darkens with UV exposure
Dust may irritate skin

Installation Considerations

  • Pre-drill all fastener holes — Cumaru is nearly as hard as Ipe
  • Use carbide-tipped blades and bits for cutting and drilling
  • Allow 1/8" gap between boards for expansion and drainage
  • Acclimate boards on-site for 5-7 days before installation
  • Natural oils may affect some finish adhesion — test first
  • Joist spacing: 16" O.C. for 1x6, 24" O.C. for 5/4x6

Fasteners & Tools Required

  • Stainless steel screws (305 or 316 grade) required
  • Carbide-tipped drill bits for pre-drilling
  • Hidden fastener systems compatible with hardwood
  • Countersink bits for clean screw placement

Available Sizes & Profiles

1x6
5/4x6
2x6
1x4
5/4x4
4x4 Posts
Custom Milling

Custom sizes and lengths available. Request a custom quote.

Compare Cumaru vs Other Species

Compare Similar Species

Project Resources

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