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 1x3 Cumaru Wood for Your Soffit?
Cumaru soffit and porch ceiling boards create a warm, premium overhead aesthetic that vinyl and aluminum simply cannot replicate. The natural grain pattern adds architectural character to any covered outdoor space. Properly installed 1x3 Cumaru soffit 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 1x3 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.
1x3 Cumaru Soffit — Installation & Coverage Specs
- Recommended joist spacing: 16" on center for 1x3 boards (0.75" actual thickness)
- Fastener placement: Secure per profile requirements, one fastener per joist minimum
- Board weight: A 12-foot 1x3 Cumaru board weighs approximately 11 lbs (0.89 lbs/LF)
- Coverage: Each 12-foot 1x3 board covers 2.5 sq ft of soffit surface (2.5" face width)
- Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Cumaru — the 3,330 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing