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Cumaru Wood Decking (Brazilian Teak)
Known as "Brazilian Teak," Cumaru offers premium performance at a better value. With a Janka rating of 3,330 lbf and rich, warm tones, it's an excellent choice for those seeking Ipe-level durability with distinctive character.
Janka Hardness
3,330 lbf
Fire Rating
Class A
Lifespan
Up to 50+ years
Density
65 lbs/ft³
What Is Cumaru Wood Decking?
Cumaru, commonly known as "Brazilian Teak," is a premium hardwood that strikes the perfect balance between performance and value. With a Janka hardness rating of 3,330 lbf — as cataloged in the Wood Database — it's nearly as hard as Ipe while offering exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Compare Cumaru vs Ipe to see the differences.
Featuring warm reddish-brown to golden-brown tones, Cumaru adds natural character to any outdoor space. Its high oil content provides excellent water resistance, and it's dimensionally stable with minimal warping or cupping. Cumaru is an outstanding choice for homeowners and contractors seeking premium hardwood decking without the highest price tag.
Cumaru Decking Prices
Cumaru decking starts at ~$2/LF for 1x4 E4E, with the popular 1x6 at ~$5.50/LF and 5/4x6 at ~$6.25/LF. Wider boards, structural timbers, and milled profiles (pregrooved, T&G, shiplap) cost more. This represents excellent value for a hardwood with up to a 50+ year lifespan and Class A fire rating.
Learn more about Cumaru vs Ipe pricing comparison or visit our complete pricing guide.
Cumaru Decking Sizes & Profiles
Cumaru is available in multiple dimensions and profiles for decking, siding, and specialty applications:
Common Decking Sizes
- 1x6 Cumaru Decking - Most popular residential size
- 5/4x6 Cumaru Decking - Thicker, commercial-grade
- 1x4 Cumaru - Narrow profile for modern aesthetics
- 2x4 & 2x6 - Structural and heavy-duty uses
Available Profiles
- Square Edge (E4E) - Standard face-screwed
- Pregrooved Decking - For hidden fasteners
- Shiplap & Rainscreen - For siding
- Tongue & Groove - For covered floors
Why Choose Cumaru Wood Decking?
Excellent Durability
Nearly as hard as Ipe with exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insects
Rich Color
Warm reddish-brown to golden-brown tones that add character
Better Value
Premium performance at a more accessible price point than Ipe
Natural Oils
High oil content provides natural water resistance
Dimensionally Stable
Minimal movement, warping, or cupping over time
Easy to Work With
More forgiving than Ipe, still requires pre-drilling
Installation Tips
Installation Requirements
- Pre-drilling recommended: Cumaru is dense but more forgiving than Ipe
- Stainless steel fasteners: Prevents corrosion and tannin staining
- Hidden fastener systems: Use pregrooved boards with hidden clips
- Allow acclimation: Let boards adjust to local climate for 7-14 days
For complete guidance, see our deck installation guide.
Maintenance & Care
Like Ipe, Cumaru requires minimal maintenance. It does not need sealing or staining for protection from rot, insects, or moisture damage.
Color Maintenance
Apply a UV-protective oil annually if you want to preserve Cumaru's warm reddish-brown color. Without treatment, it will naturally gray while maintaining its structural integrity.
Tannin Bleeding
Cumaru may experience initial tannin bleeding when exposed to water. This is normal and temporary. Clean with oxalic acid-based deck cleaners if needed.
Shop Popular Cumaru Sizes
Browse our most popular Cumaru products for decking, siding, and outdoor projects
1x6 Cumaru Decking
Most popular residential size
View Products5/4x6 Cumaru Decking
Thicker, commercial-grade option
View Products1x4 Cumaru Decking
Modern narrow profile
View ProductsPregrooved Cumaru
For hidden fastener systems
View ProductsCumaru Siding
Exterior cladding options
View ProductsCumaru Fencing
Durable privacy fencing
View ProductsImportant Considerations
Slightly Softer
While still extremely hard, Cumaru is about 10% softer than Ipe
Color Variation
More color variation between boards than Ipe
Extractive Bleeding
Natural tannins can bleed initially, especially when wet
Frequently Asked Questions About Cumaru Wood
Quick answers to common questions about Cumaru decking
Cumaru decking starts at ~$2/LF for 1x4 boards, with popular sizes like 1x6 at ~$5.50/LF and 5/4x6 at ~$6.25/LF (E4E base price). Wider boards and milled profiles cost more. Visit our pricing page for live prices.
Cumaru has a Janka hardness of 3,330 lbf compared to Ipe's 3,680 lbf—about 10% softer but still extremely durable. Cumaru offers warm reddish-brown tones vs. Ipe's chocolate brown. Both are Class A fire-rated and naturally rot-resistant. Cumaru is more affordable and easier to work with.
Common Cumaru decking sizes include 1x4, 1x6, 5/4x6, 2x4, and 2x6. Available in square edge (E4E), pregrooved for hidden fasteners, and custom milling profiles like shiplap or tongue & groove.
Cumaru does not require sealing for protection from rot or insects. However, applying a UV-protective oil annually helps maintain its rich color. Without treatment, Cumaru will naturally gray over time while remaining structurally sound.
Cumaru can last 50+ years outdoors with minimal maintenance. Its natural density and oils provide long-lasting protection against weathering, rot, and insects.
Cumaru contains natural tannins that may bleed (leach out) initially, especially when wet. This is normal and temporary. The bleeding decreases over time and can be cleaned with oxalic acid-based deck cleaners.
Yes. Cumaru is excellent for siding (shiplap, rainscreen), fencing, pergolas, and outdoor furniture. Its durability and natural resistance make it ideal for any exterior application.
Yes. We responsibly, legally, and ethically source all our material. Cumaru is harvested from managed forests in South America. Note: We are not FSC certified.
Cumaru by Application
Learn why Cumaru excels for decking, siding, and fencing projects.
Cumaru Decking
Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) is one of the most popular hardwood decking choices for homeowners seeking Ipe-level durability at a more accessible price. With a Janka hardness of 3,330 lbf, Cumaru is nearly as hard as Ipe and offers exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage. Its warm reddish-brown to golden-brown tones add natural character to outdoor living spaces, and its high oil content provides built-in water resistance. Cumaru is available in face-screw and pregrooved profiles, making it compatible with all major hidden fastener systems. With a 50+ year lifespan and Class A fire rating, Cumaru decking is a premium material that delivers outstanding long-term value for residential decks, pool surrounds, and commercial installations.
Explore all decking optionsCumaru Siding
Cumaru siding offers the warm, rich tones of premium hardwood cladding with excellent weather resistance. Available in shiplap, rainscreen, and tongue-and-groove profiles, Cumaru's natural oils and density protect against moisture infiltration, rot, and insect damage for decades. Its color ranges from warm reddish-brown to golden-brown, creating a distinctive and inviting exterior. Cumaru's dimensional stability means siding joints stay tight through seasonal temperature and humidity changes. For exterior cladding projects where you want the look and performance of Ipe at a better price point, Cumaru is an excellent alternative.
Explore all siding optionsCumaru Fencing
Cumaru fencing provides a durable, attractive privacy barrier that far outlasts softwood alternatives. With a Janka hardness of 3,330 lbf, Cumaru fence boards resist dents, rot, and insect damage for 40-50+ years. Its natural density means you won't need chemical treatments or annual sealing to maintain structural integrity. Cumaru's warm color variation between boards gives fences a natural, organic appearance that complements landscaping. Available in standard decking dimensions, Cumaru fencing is easy to source and install using the same fastening methods as deck construction.
Explore all fencing options