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Cumaru (pronounced coo-mah-roo) also known as Brazilian Teak is five times harder than cedar or redwood. It is similar to Ipe in its
high fire rating and durability, but it has a distinctive dark brown color with a reddish hue.
Cumaru is one of the top 5 best tropical hardwoods in the world. Its quality, amazing features, and beauty make it comparable to Ipe, which tops the list. In a few words, Cumaru is a premium hardwood built to impress and, most importantly, to last!
Why? Here are some reasons…
Think BIG with Cumaru
| Cumaru Wood Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Common Name(s) | Cumaru, Brazilian Teak, Tonka Bean Wood |
| Scientific Name | Dipteryx odorata, Dipteryx spp. |
| Distribution | Tropical South America, primarily Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela. |
| Tree Size | 100–130 ft (30–40 m) tall with a trunk diameter of 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m). |
| Average Dried Weight | 67 lbs/ft³ (1,075 kg/m³) |
| Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC) | 0.90 (Basic), 1.08 (12% MC) |
| Janka Hardness | 3,330 lbf (14,800 N) |
| Modulus of Rupture | 27,540 lbf/in² (189.9 MPa) |
| Elastic Modulus | 3,080,000 lbf/in² (21.24 GPa) |
| Crushing Strength | 13,990 lbf/in² (96.5 MPa) |
| Shrinkage | Radial: 5.2% Tangential: 7.8% Volumetric: 12.8% T/R Ratio: 1.5 |
Color/Appearance: Cumaru heartwood ranges from golden brown to medium reddish brown and gradually darkens with exposure to sunlight and age. The wood often features subtle color variation, dark streaks, and an attractive natural luster that gives finished projects a rich, premium appearance.
Grain/Texture: Cumaru typically has an interlocked grain, though it can occasionally be straight. Its medium to coarse texture and smooth natural finish create an elegant look, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Rot Resistance: Cumaru is rated as very durable and offers excellent resistance to decay, termites, fungal attack, and marine borers. Its exceptional natural durability makes it well suited for demanding outdoor environments, including decks, docks, boardwalks, and waterfront structures.
Workability: Due to its high density and hardness, Cumaru can be challenging to machine and may quickly dull cutting tools. Carbide-tipped blades are recommended, and pre-drilling is advised before installing screws or nails. Despite its hardness, it sands and finishes exceptionally well, producing a smooth, attractive surface.
Common Uses: Cumaru is widely used for premium decking, docks, boardwalks, bridges, pergolas, fencing, outdoor furniture, heavy timber construction, siding, and commercial walkways. Its outstanding strength, durability, and resistance to weather and insects also make it an excellent choice for flooring, stair treads, and other high-traffic interior applications where long-lasting performance is essential.
Complete your outdoor construction project with premium hardware, fastening systems, and finishing products from trusted industry brands like DeckWise® and Simpson Strong-Tie®. Whether you’re building a residential deck, commercial boardwalk, pergola, dock, or siding installation, we provide the professional-grade products needed for a secure, durable, and long-lasting result.
Our extensive inventory includes hidden deck fasteners, stainless steel deck screws, structural connectors, framing hardware, premium hardwood oils, deck cleaners, maintenance products, and installation accessories that are specifically designed to complement tropical hardwoods such as Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Tigerwood, and Jatoba. By sourcing both your hardwood lumber and installation materials from one trusted supplier, you can streamline your project, ensure product compatibility, and achieve a beautiful finish that will stand the test of time with minimal maintenance.