Cambara Wood Guide 2026
Erisma uncinatum
Cambara is a moderately priced South American hardwood gaining popularity as a decking and siding alternative to more expensive tropical species. Its pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood has a cedar-like appearance and moderate natural durability. Lighter and easier to work than Ipe or Cumaru, Cambara offers a good balance of performance and value for exterior applications where tropical aesthetics are desired without premium pricing.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 35 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela
- Price: ~$4.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Decking, siding, fencing
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Coarse and fairly uniform.
Workability: Generally works well but can be prone to tear-out during planing.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Absorbs stain well but requires sealing to prevent bleed-through.
Color change: Reddish-brown heartwood darkens significantly with UV exposure.
Insect resistance: Moderate resistance to decay but susceptible to termites.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Cambara. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths from 4 to 8 inches are standard. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 8 inches are standard. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 8 inches are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 8 inches are standard.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical.
Decking & exterior profiles
Commonly sold as eased-edge decking boards.
Availability notes: Widely available in the North American import market.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Pinkish brown to reddish brown heartwood with a warm, cedar-like tone; paler sapwood
Grain: Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; occasional figure
Common Uses
- Decking
- siding
- fencing
- outdoor furniture
- general construction
- interior paneling
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Cedrinho, Cambara Rosa, Jaboty
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 830 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Moderately Durable
- Sourced from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Cambara is unavailable or over budget.
- Meranti
- Sapele1,410 lbf Janka
- African Mahogany
Related Species
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