Cumaru wood, also known as Brazilian teak, is a popular choice for decking and other woodworking projects. Native to Central and South America, this hardwood has many benefits that make it a sought-after material in construction. But would it be a better choice over Ipe and teak?
Noteworthy reasons to use Cumaru wood for your deck
- Durability and longevity
Ipe is one of the hardest decking materials, boasting a 3680 on the Janka Hardness Scale. In fact, it is three times harder than oak, another popular woodworking material.
And though nothing can stand up to Ipe wood, Cumaru follows it at a close second. With a 3540 on the Janka scale, this decking material can withstand years of heavy use. Additionally, Cumaru wood is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and decay.
Another advantage of Cumaru is that it has a Class A fire rating, making it as resistant to fire as steel and concrete.
- Sustainability
Many homeowners hesitate to use wood as a construction material due to the growing concern over deforestation and illegal logging.
Thankfully, Cumaru is a relatively eco-friendly decking material.Cumaru trees and their root systemscan capture and store carbon dioxide, keeping their natural habitats safe.
Moreover, using Cumaru as a woodworking material has a minimal impact on the environment because the waste created during the process can be repurposed to offset carbon emissions.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Brazilian teak is not considered a threatened species.
- Easy maintenance
Lastly, Cumaru is a popular decking material because it is easy to maintain. The wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, so there is no need to treat it with harmful chemicals.
Cleaning your Cumaru deck regularly with soap, water, and a stiff brush is enough to maintain its appearance. You should avoid using a pressure washer, which can damage the wood fibers and make the surface look uneven.
When removing failing stains and finishes, use a high-quality commercial cleaner with a hardwood-friendly formulation.
Thinking of using Cumaru for your deck? Don’t forget to purchase your materials from a trusted hardwood supplier offering premium-grade decking and exceptional customer service.
About the Author:
Bruce Master is the general manager at Advanced Building Supplies. Advanced Building Supplies, aka ABSWood, specializes in a full line of Brazilian Hardwood products, including Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru, and Tigerwood. Exotic woods is a natural outgrowth for Bruce as he comes from a long line of woodworkers. His Grandfather and Father were both respected wood craftsmen and cabinet makers. In addition to managing ABS, Bruce designs, plans, and installs his own decks. Before selling Brazilian Hardwoods, Bruce worked as a generalist at a huge Ace Hardware in Miami, Florida, that catered to an almost exclusive clientele of contractors working on Miami Beach.
