Cumaru dock decking on waterfront boat dock
Dock & Marine

Cumaru Dock Decking

Best-value dock hardwood — Brazilian Teak delivers 90% of Ipe's marine performance at 30-40% lower cost. Proven on freshwater and saltwater docks nationwide.

Janka Hardness

3,330 lbf

Dock Lifespan

50+ years

Marine Borers

Excellent

Fire Rating

Class A

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

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Dock 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 NameDipteryx odorata
Common NamesCumaru, Brazilian Teak, Tonka Bean
Janka Hardness3,330 lbf
Density65 lbs/ft³
Durability ClassClass 1
Fire RatingClass A (ASTM E84)
Rot ResistanceExcellent
Insect ResistanceExcellent
Marine Borer ResistanceExcellent
Saltwater SuitabilityExcellent
Expected Dock Lifespan50+ years
Color (Fresh)Reddish-brown to golden-tan
Color (Weathered)Silver-gray patina
Chemical Treatment RequiredNo
Recommended Dock Sizes5/4x6, 2x6, 1x6, 5/4x4
OriginSouth 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

FeatureCumaruPT PineCompositePVC/VinylAluminum
Dock Lifespan50+ yrs10-15 yrs15-20 yrs15-20 yrs30+ yrs
Marine Borer ResistanceNaturalChemical (fails)N/AN/AN/A
Chemical LeachingNoneYes — CCA/ACQMicroplasticsMicroplasticsNone
Slip Resistance (wet)ExcellentPoorModeratePoorModerate
Barefoot SafetyExcellentPoor — splintersHot in sunHot in sunHot in sun
Structural StrengthVery highModerateLowLowHigh
Environmental ImpactNaturalChemical-treatedPlastic-basedPlastic-basedEnergy-intensive
Cost (50-year)LowestHighest (replace 3-4x)HigherHigherModerate

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.

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Cumaru 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

Excellent. Cumaru at 3,330 Janka with natural rot and marine borer resistance is one of the best dock woods available. It delivers 90% of Ipe's marine performance at 30-40% lower cost — the best value in dock hardwood.

For dock use, the difference is minimal. Both resist marine borers, rot, and insects naturally. Both provide splinter-free, chemical-free surfaces. Cumaru costs less. Choose Ipe for maximum lifespan (75+ vs 50+ years) or Cumaru for best value.

Yes. Cumaru's Class 1 durability and natural density provide excellent performance in saltwater. Use 316 stainless steel fasteners for salt exposure.

A Cumaru dock lasts 50+ years — 3-4 times longer than pressure-treated lumber in marine settings. With proper installation and 316 SS fasteners, Cumaru performs reliably for decades in both freshwater and saltwater.

Yes. Cumaru requires no chemical treatment — zero CCA, ACQ, or copper leaching into your water. This is critical for environmental compliance, fish habitats, and marine wildlife protection.

Three things: 3,330 Janka hardness for structural strength, natural marine borer and rot resistance for longevity, and no chemical treatment needed for environmental safety. Plus it costs 30-40% less than Ipe.

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