Cumaru wood is one of the finest quality exotic hardwoods available. It is naturally durable, and harder than pine, cedar and redwood. It is also much stronger than most composite decking products. Due to Cumaru’s strength, it is naturally resistant to rot, decay and damage from wood boring insects like termites. It has a flame spread rating of Class A, the same as concrete or steel. Cumaru wood offers a lifespan well over 40 years without preservatives. It is available in either partially air dried or kiln dried lumber. These methods allow it to be used for all different types of projects. Air dried Cumaru is intended for outdoor use. It is best used on decks, docks, outdoor furniture, and framing because air dried lumber will shrink inside. Kiln dried Cumaru is best if used indoor on flooring and trim because it will expand outside.

Cumaru is known to be the most superior decking materials available. Its versatility makes it a great choice for both commercial and residential decking. Cumaru makes the most beautiful longest lasting decks in the world. It is extremely dense and rich in color and appearance. Its density helps make Cumaru remain smooth and splinter free. It doesn’t absorb water, twist, splinter, or bow like softer woods. Its color varies from a golden tan to reddish brown with some dark grain accents throughout the wood. It has an irregular, slightly interlocked grain which is coarse and wavy in texture. Unlike most exotics, Cumaru endures very little color change due to sun light. Its color will slightly mute over time into a more consistent color. The application of a deck oil finish will help maintain its natural color, but is completely optional. It has excellent weathering characteristics and can stand up to the most brutal climates. Over time, Cumaru will naturally change to a beautiful silver-gray patina. Cumaru is pretty much maintenance free. If you choose to finish your Cumaru, Ipe Oil™ is one recommendation. Other possible finishes include Messmers UV Plus Finish, Sitkens Deck Finish, CWF Flood Finish, and Penafin.

Due to the hard nature of Cumaru, it is sometimes difficult to saw and could have a dulling effect on cutting tools and saw blades. Make sure you pre-drill and use sharp carbide tipped blades. There are specialized tools also available for the best results. The use of nails and screws are ideal for a great outcome. Cumaru also tends to be oily. This is why the wood is sometimes difficult to glue. If you decide to use glue, waterproof glues, such as Gorilla brand polyurethane can be used with satisfactory results. Epoxy glues are also available and produce a very strong waterproof bond, especially good for gluing posts.

Cumaru is a high quality natural material. Its durability, strength, versatility, and density make it the perfect option for any decking project. It is also very low maintenance and easy to work with. It is a beautiful wood that has many of the same characteristics of Ipe, but costs a lot less. Avoid the weaknesses of composite and softwood decking, and use Cumaru, the ideal choice, on your next home improvement or commercial build.