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Why Choose Cumaru for Siding & Cladding
Cumaru siding — widely known as Brazilian Teak siding — delivers the premium hardwood cladding experience at a price that makes full-house siding projects genuinely feasible. With a Janka hardness of 3,330 lbf, Cumaru wood siding is nearly as hard as Ipe and dramatically harder than any domestic softwood, fiber cement, or composite cladding alternative. For homeowners and builders who want real hardwood on every exterior wall without stretching the budget to Ipe territory, Cumaru cladding is the smart choice.
The natural density and oil content of Brazilian Teak siding provide inherent resistance to rot, decay, mold, and insect damage — no chemical treatments, no preservatives, no painting required. Cumaru carries a Class A fire rating (ASTM E84), meeting the same stringent fire codes as Ipe and making it suitable for wildfire-prone areas and commercial applications where fire performance matters.
Fresh Cumaru shiplap siding displays warm reddish-brown to golden-tan tones with attractive natural variation between boards. This color range creates a rich, organic facade that looks stunning on both traditional and modern architecture. The warm tones of Cumaru exterior cladding complement natural stone, glass, and metal accents beautifully, making it a favorite among architects designing mixed-material facades. Untreated, Cumaru siding weathers to the same elegant silver-gray patina as Ipe, or can be maintained with annual UV-protective oil for those who prefer the original warmth.
Where Cumaru siding truly excels is on large-area projects. A full-house exterior clad in Ipe can stretch even generous budgets, but Cumaru wood cladding delivers nearly identical performance for measurably less per square foot. This value proposition has made Brazilian Teak siding one of the fastest-growing categories in premium residential cladding, particularly among custom home builders and renovation contractors who spec hardwood siding for multiple projects per year.
Compared to composite cladding systems, Cumaru siding offers genuine wood character, superior longevity (50+ years vs 20-30 years for most composites), and better resistance to UV fading and heat distortion. Against vinyl siding, the durability, aesthetic, and property value advantages of real hardwood cladding are immense. Cumaru is responsibly harvested from managed forests in South America, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious building projects.
Siding Profiles Available in Cumaru
Overlapping boards with a distinctive shadow line. Classic exterior look for traditional and modern facades.
Best for: Traditional facade, accent walls
Interlocking boards for a seamless, flush surface. Excellent weather protection with a refined appearance.
Best for: Soffits, porch ceilings, protected walls
Cumaru Siding 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 |
| Expected Lifespan (exterior) | 50+ years |
| Color (Fresh) | Reddish-brown to tan with some variation |
| Color (Weathered) | Silver-gray patina |
| Available Thicknesses | 1x, 5/4 |
| Available Widths | 4", 6", 8" |
| Available Profiles | Shiplap, Tongue & Groove, Rainscreen, E4E |
| Origin | South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia) |
Available Cumaru Siding Sizes
Installation Essentials for Cumaru Siding
Install Cumaru siding over a proper rainscreen or drainage plane for optimal moisture management. Pre-drill all fastener holes with carbide-tipped bits — Cumaru's high density requires it. Use stainless steel screws (316 grade for coastal applications). For shiplap profiles, face-nail through the overlap for a clean look. T&G can be blind-nailed through the tongue. Allow 7-14 days of on-site acclimation before installation. Seal all cut ends immediately. Both horizontal and vertical installation work well; maintain 3/16" expansion gaps at ends and transitions.
- Rainscreen/drainage plane — required behind all exterior siding
- Stainless steel fasteners — 316 grade for coastal environments
- Acclimate 7-14 days on-site before installation
- Seal cut ends immediately with end-grain sealer
How Cumaru Siding Compares
Cumaru Siding vs Ipe Siding
Ipe is slightly harder (3,684 vs 3,330 Janka) and lasts longer (up to 75+ vs 50+ years), but costs more. Cumaru siding offers 90% of Ipe's performance at a better price — ideal for full-house cladding projects where budget matters.
Learn more about Ipe SidingCumaru Siding vs Cedar Siding
Cedar siding has a similar warmth but dramatically less durability (350 vs 3,330 Janka). Cumaru siding lasts 3-4 times longer than cedar and never needs chemical rot treatments or frequent restaining.
Cumaru Siding vs Composite Cladding
Composite cladding systems fade, scratch, and have shorter lifespans (20-30 years). Cumaru siding is a natural product that lasts 50+ years, looks better with age, and adds genuine real-wood character to any facade.