
Why Choose Cumaru for Dock Decking
Cumaru dock decking is the smart choice for dock builders who want premium marine-grade hardwood without the premium Ipe price tag. Brazilian Teak at 3,330 Janka and 65 lbs/ft³ density delivers marine performance that's virtually indistinguishable from Ipe for dock applications — at 30-40% lower cost per board foot. For large dock projects where material volume is high, the savings are substantial.
Cumaru dock boards provide the same critical advantages that make tropical hardwood superior to pressure-treated lumber for marine use: natural resistance to rot and marine borers, zero chemical leaching into waterways, splinter-free barefoot safety, and excellent wet slip resistance. A Cumaru dock is environmentally clean — no CCA, ACQ, or copper entering your lake, river, or coastal water.
At 3,330 Janka, Cumaru dock lumber has more than enough structural strength for residential boat docks, commercial marinas, fishing piers, and waterfront walkways. The warm reddish-brown to golden-tan tones create a beautiful dock surface that weathers to silver-gray naturally. A Cumaru dock lasts 50+ years in marine environments — 3-4 times longer than pressure-treated lumber.
For dock builders comparing Cumaru vs Ipe, the practical difference on a dock is minimal. Both naturally resist marine borers and rot. Both provide splinter-free, slip-resistant surfaces. Both require no chemical treatment. Cumaru is the best-value dock wood that doesn't compromise on marine durability.
Also used for residential decking → Shop Cumaru Decking
Recommended Cumaru Dock Board Sizes
5/4x6
Standard residential and marina dock boards. Best balance of strength and value.
Shop 5/4x62x6
Commercial docks, public piers, heavy load applications. Maximum durability.
Shop 2x61x6
Residential lake docks and smaller private piers. Economical option.
Shop 1x65/4x4
Narrow finger piers and walkways. Compact dock builds.
Shop 5/4x4Dock Applications for Cumaru
Boat Docks
Private residential boat docks on lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways.
Marinas
Commercial marina finger piers, main docks, and fuel dock platforms.
Piers & Jetties
Public and private fishing piers, jetties, and waterfront walks.
Floating Docks
Floating dock platforms and gangways.
Kayak Launches
Kayak and canoe launch platforms and ramps.
Seawalls / Caps
Seawall cap boards and waterfront edging.
Cumaru Dock Decking Specifications
| Botanical Name | Dipteryx odorata |
| Common Names | Cumaru, Brazilian Teak, Tonka Bean |
| Janka Hardness | 3,330 lbf |
| Density | 65 lbs/ft³ |
| Durability Class | Class 1 |
| Fire Rating | Class A (ASTM E84) |
| Rot Resistance | Excellent |
| Insect Resistance | Excellent |
| Marine Borer Resistance | Excellent |
| Saltwater Suitability | Excellent |
| Expected Dock Lifespan | 50+ years |
| Color (Fresh) | Reddish-brown to golden-tan |
| Color (Weathered) | Silver-gray patina |
| Chemical Treatment Required | No |
| Recommended Dock Sizes | 5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4 |
| Origin | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia) |
Dock Installation Tips for Cumaru
Use 316 stainless steel fasteners for marine environments. Joist spacing: 16" OC standard, 12" OC for heavy loads. Leave 3/16" gaps for drainage. Pre-drill all holes. Seal all cut ends — especially critical near water. Acclimate 7-14 days before installation. Compatible with wood, steel, aluminum, and concrete dock substructures.
Cumaru Dock vs. The Alternatives
| Feature | Cumaru | PT Pine | Composite | PVC/Vinyl | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dock Lifespan | 50+ yrs | 10-15 yrs | 15-20 yrs | 15-20 yrs | 30+ yrs |
| Marine Borer Resistance | Natural | Chemical (fails) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Chemical Leaching | None | Yes — CCA/ACQ | Microplastics | Microplastics | None |
| Slip Resistance (wet) | Excellent | Poor | Moderate | Poor | Moderate |
| Barefoot Safety | Excellent | Poor — splinters | Hot in sun | Hot in sun | Hot in sun |
| Structural Strength | Very high | Moderate | Low | Low | High |
| Environmental Impact | Natural | Chemical-treated | Plastic-based | Plastic-based | Energy-intensive |
| Cost (50-year) | Lowest | Highest (replace 3-4x) | Higher | Higher | Moderate |
Cumaru Dock vs Pressure-Treated Dock
PT dock lumber lasts 10-15 years and leaches chemicals into your water. Cumaru lasts 50+ years with zero chemical treatment. Cumaru costs more upfront but saves money over 30+ years by eliminating 2-3 complete dock replacements.
Cumaru Dock vs Ipe Dock
Ipe is slightly harder (3,684 vs 3,330 Janka) with a longer track record on major boardwalks. Cumaru costs 30-40% less with comparable marine performance. For most dock projects, Cumaru delivers the same result at a better price.
Learn moreCumaru Dock vs Composite Dock
Composite gets dangerously hot on docks in direct sun, sheds microplastics, and has no structural strength. Cumaru stays moderate temperature, is 100% natural, and provides genuine structural support. Cumaru docks last 2-3x longer.
Cumaru Dock Decking FAQ
Explore More Dock Decking
All Hardwood Dock Decking
Browse all species
Ipe Dock Decking
Shop ipe dock decking
Tigerwood Dock Decking
Shop tigerwood dock decking
Garapa Dock Decking
Shop garapa dock decking
Massaranduba Dock Decking
Shop massaranduba dock decking
Red Balau Dock Decking
Shop red balau dock decking
About Cumaru Wood
Species information & properties
All Hardwood Species
Compare all species
.png?width=140&quality=70)