5/4x6 Cumaru Tongue & Groove Decking board profile diagram
Decking

5/4x6 Cumaru Tongue & Groove Decking

This 5/4x6 Cumaru decking board (Tongue & Groove profile) pairs the proven outdoor performance of Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) with a 3,330 Janka hardness rating — one of the hardest commercially available woods on earth. The interlocking tongue and groove profile creates tight, seamless joints for exterior decks, patios, and pool surrounds, with no visible fasteners on the finished surface. In stock and ships nationwide — order 5/4x6 Cumaru decking boards online or call 1-844-674-4455 for expert guidance.

5/4 x 6(1"×5.5" actual)[25.4mm × 139.7mm]
Contractor Trusted
Expert Backed
Ships Nationwide
SKU: CUMA-54X6-TG-SB-L1

Configure Your Order

Select profile, grade, and length below to see live pricing

Durable, Weather-resistant Tongue-and-Groove Boards

T&G

Select and Better is our standard grade

Length Guide

Available lengths: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22′

Estimated Shipping Weight
Weight per linear foot:2.67 lbs/LF
1' board:2.7 lbs

5/4x6 Cumaru T&G Decking — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about t&g cumaru decking

About 5/4x6 Cumaru Tongue & Groove Decking

Cumaru lumber, frequently used in outdoor decking, is renowned for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to the elements. This high-performance hardwood is particularly valued for its natural weather-resistant qualities and stability, making it an outstanding choice for a variety of decking applications. The tongue-and-groove profile enhances not only the aesthetic appeal but also the structural integrity of the decking, providing a seamless look while ensuring easy fastening and stability on installation.

  • High strength and durability for lasting performance
  • Natural resistance to rot and insect damage
  • Tongue-and-groove profile offers smooth installation and seamless appearance
  • Ideal for both residential and commercial settings

Key Benefits

Unmatched Durability

With a Janka hardness rating of 3330, Cumaru is highly resistant to wear and impacts, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like decks.

Weather Resistance

Cumaru's natural oils provide resistance against moisture, ensuring that your decking remains free from rotting and warping even in harsh climates.

Low Maintenance

Requires minimal upkeep due to its natural resistance to insects and decay, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners and contractors.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

3330

Density

65 lbs/ft³

Durability Rating

Very durable, Class 1 (highest durability)

Dimensional Stability

Excellent dimensional stability under different weather conditions

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper joist spacing of 16" or 24" on center for optimal support.
  • Leave 1/8" to 1/4" expansion gaps between boards for seasonal movement.
  • Install with appropriate fasteners for tongue-and-groove applications.

Recommended Tools:

Drill
Screwdriver
Circular saw
Level
Measuring tape

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly sweep and wash the surface with mild soap and water to remove debris and prevent buildup.

Finishing

Reapply a UV-protective finish every few years to maintain color and sheen.

Weathering

Over time, Cumaru will weather to a silver-gray patina; periodic oiling can maintain its original color.

5/4x6 Cumaru Tongue & Groove Decking — Frequently Asked Questions

A 5/4x6 Cumaru board weighs approximately 2.67 lbs per linear foot. Cumaru has a density of about 68 lbs/ft³, making it one of the densest commercially available hardwoods. A 12-foot 5/4x6 Cumaru board weighs approximately 31 lbs. Always factor weight into your structural and shipping calculations.

5/4x6 Cumaru decking has an expected service life of up to 50+ years when properly installed. This is 3-5× longer than pressure-treated pine and 2-3× longer than cedar. Cumaru achieves this exceptional longevity through its 3,330 Janka hardness and Class 1 durability rating, providing built-in resistance to rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth without chemical preservatives.

5/4x6 Cumaru decking pricing varies by profile, grade, and board length. Select and Better grade boards typically range from $4-$12 per linear foot before shipping. While the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, Cumaru's up to 50+-year service life makes the lifetime cost per year significantly lower. Use the configurator above for exact pricing, or request a custom quote for large orders.

Yes — 5/4x6 Cumaru wood decking outperforms composite in hardness (3,330 vs ~200 Janka), lifespan (up to 50+ years vs 25-30 years), and heat resistance. Unlike composites, Cumaru won't melt, warp in extreme heat, or fade significantly. While initial cost is similar ($8-15/LF installed), Cumaru wood decking costs less over its much longer lifetime. Composites do offer lower upfront maintenance, but Cumaru's natural beauty and durability make it the superior long-term investment.

Cumaru is widely considered one of the best woods for 5/4x6 decking boards. With a 3,330 Janka hardness rating, Class A fire-rated certification, and up to 50+-year lifespan, Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) outperforms nearly every other commercially available wood species. Other excellent options include Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) and Massaranduba (Brazilian Redwood), but Cumaru remains the industry benchmark for premium outdoor hardwood applications.

Cumaru requires minimal maintenance. Without treatment, it naturally weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina over 6-12 months. To maintain the original warm brown color, apply a UV-inhibiting penetrating oil (like Ipe Oil or Penofin) once or twice annually. Cleaning involves periodic washing with a mild soap solution. No sanding, staining, or sealing is required for structural durability.

Cumaru is DIY-friendly with proper preparation. Key requirements: (1) Always pre-drill all screw holes — Cumaru is too hard for direct screwing. (2) Use only 305 or 316 stainless steel fasteners — standard hardware will corrode and stain. (3) Face-screw with stainless steel trim-head screws. (4) Allow boards to acclimate on-site for 5-7 days before installation. A compound miter saw with a carbide-tipped blade is recommended.

A nominal 5/4x6 Cumaru board has actual finished dimensions of 1" × 5.5" (25.4 x 139.7 mm). The "5/4x6" is the nominal (rough-cut) size — after kiln drying and precision surfacing, all hardwood lumber finishes slightly smaller. This is standard across the lumber industry, similar to how a nominal 2×4 softwood measures 1.5" × 3.5". Always use the actual dimensions (1" × 5.5") when calculating material quantities and coverage for your project.

We responsibly, legally, and ethically source all our Cumaru. We work only with suppliers who follow responsible forestry practices with full chain-of-custody transparency. Note: We are not FSC certified. Cumaru trees grow naturally in diverse tropical forests and regenerate well under managed harvest. The extremely long lifespan (up to 50+ years) means fewer replacements compared to softwood or composite alternatives, reducing long-term environmental impact.

Shipping & Delivery

Nationwide delivery: We ship to all 50 states via LTL freight, flatbed, or terminal pickup

Typical lead time: 5-10 business days for standard orders (custom milling may add 2-3 weeks)

Shipping estimate: Final freight cost calculated at checkout based on your location and order size

Rush service available: Contact us for expedited milling and shipping options

5/4x6 Cumaru Tongue & Groove Decking — Complete Buyer's Guide

Cumaru, also known as Brazilian Teak, is a premium tropical hardwood sourced from Amazon Basin, northern South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Guyana). With a Janka hardness rating of 3,330 lbf and a density of 65 lbs/ft³, Cumaru is classified as Class 1 - Very Durable — one of the most durable commercial lumber species available. The heartwood exhibits light to medium brown with reddish tones with interlocked grain, medium to coarse texture, creating a striking natural appearance that improves with age.

Why Choose 5/4x6 Cumaru Wood for Your Deck?

Cumaru decking delivers a naturally slip-resistant, splinter-free surface that stays cool underfoot even in direct sunlight. Unlike composite or pressure-treated alternatives, it never fades to a dull gray unless you want the natural silver patina look. Properly installed 5/4x6 Cumaru decking delivers a service life of 50+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the Cumaru wood weather to a distinguished silver-gray patina. Cumaru carries a Class A - Low flame spread, making it suitable for wildfire-prone regions where code-compliant materials are required.

The 5/4x6 tongue & groove (T&G) profile features interlocking edges that create a seamless, flush surface with no visible gaps. Ideal for porch ceilings, soffit installations, and covered porch floors. All Cumaru lumber is available in Select and Better grade with lengths ranging from 4′ to 20′. For detailed step-by-step instructions, consult our Cumaru installation guide. Long-term care recommendations are covered in our Cumaru maintenance guide.

5/4x6 Cumaru Decking — Installation & Coverage Specs

  • Recommended joist spacing: 16"–24" on center for 5/4x6 boards (1" actual thickness)
  • Fastener placement: Secure per profile requirements, one fastener per joist minimum
  • Board weight: A 12-foot 5/4x6 Cumaru board weighs approximately 31 lbs (2.60 lbs/LF)
  • Coverage: Each 12-foot 5/4x6 board covers 5.5 sq ft of decking surface (5.5" face width)
  • Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Cumaru — the 3,330 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing

Janka Hardness

3,330 lbf

Service Life

50+ years

Durability

Very Durable

Fire Rating

Class A

5/4x6 Cumaru Decking — Frequently Asked Questions

5/4x6 Cumaru decking has an expected service life of 50+ years when properly installed and maintained. This is 3-5x longer than pressure-treated pine and 2-3x longer than cedar. Cumaru achieves this exceptional longevity through its natural density (Janka hardness: 3,330 lbf) and Class 1 durability rating, which provide built-in resistance to rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth — all without chemical preservatives.

5/4x6 tongue & groove Cumaru boards interlock via a milled tongue on one edge and a corresponding groove on the other. Secure each board by blind-nailing through the tongue at a 45° angle using stainless steel ring-shank nails or by face-screwing with countersunk stainless steel screws. Always pre-drill holes in Cumaru to prevent splitting. T&G Cumaru should only be used in covered or semi-protected areas.

5/4x6 Cumaru decking pricing varies by profile, grade, and board length. 5/4x6 Tongue & Groove boards in Select and Better grade typically range from $4-$12 per linear foot before shipping. While the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, Cumaru's 50+ years service life makes the lifetime cost per year significantly lower. Use our online configurator above to see exact pricing for your selected options, or request a custom quote for large orders.

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