Adding a new deck can be one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home. It can be especially important to consider the type of deck you want. The reason being, all decks aren’t created the same. To save time and money knowing what type of wood to use for your deck is key. If you have started your research chances are you have discovered there are many types of woods to choose from. And with so many options you may be wondering which one is best for building your deck. We’ve found that one of the best wood for building a deck is cumaru wood.
To help you determine if this type of deck is right for your home, we’ve created an easy to read pros and cons list about using cumaru wood.
What You Need to Know About Cumaru Wood
Cumaru wood, also referred to as Brazilian Teak, is a type of wood found in Northern South America. It is known for its durability and distinctive color.
Cumaru wood is usually medium to dark brown. But sometimes it has been found with a reddish and purplish hue. It can also feature streaks of yellows and greens, that blend into its brown dexterity.
Grain interlocked, cumaru wood has a medium texture with a waxy feel. It is said that cumaru can give off faint cinnamon or vanilla-like scents when being installed.
Pros for Using Cumaru Wood
When it comes to building a deck you want wood that will last through all weathering conditions. One of the many pros of using Cumaru wood is that it is rot resistant. It tends to outlast many other types of decking wood such as Pine, Redwood, and Cedar.
Again, this speaks to the excellent durability that Cumaru wood has. It is known for having superior resistance to termites and other dry wood borers. If you live in humid climates, cumaru wood is also resistant to mildew and mold.
Cumaru would also have a “Class A” Fire rating. This means it has a similar level of fire resistance properties as that of steel and concrete.
The natural resistance to decay and damage is a major pro, making cumaru wood a top pick for decking wood.
Another pro is that cumaru wood is more affordable than other types of wood. Its moderate price point makes it a great alternative to other woods such as Ipe.
There are few other kinds of wood that can claim a life span of over 50 years. One reason for that is cumaru wood is also easier to maintain. Which is one more pro to add to the list.
Most importantly cumaru wood is known for its aesthetically appealing finish. And if you consider yourself an eco-friendly homeowner, you’re in luck.
Cumaru wood is naturally strong by itself, which means it doesn’t have to be treated with any harmful chemicals. It’s also 100% biodegradable, making it a pro for you and the environment.
Cons for using Cumaru Wood
While there are many pros for using cumaru wood for your deck, there are also a few cons to consider. One con is its workability. It can be difficult to install because it is dense and has an interlocked grain texture.
No matter if your using glue, screws, or nails, cumaru has a high oil content which can present problems at installation. Another con is the effect the wood has on tools themselves. Since it contains silica, there could be some moderate blunting on the cutting tools used.
There may also be the need to predrill or use specialized installation hardware to complete a cumaru wood install. Other notable cons are cumaru wood is heavy, stiff, and hard making it laborious to work with.
Other Things to Consider When Building a Cumaru Wood Deck
You should consider your budget for your decking project. Cumaru wood is a commodity so its pricing does tend to fluctuate. Factors that drive its pricing includes supply, availability, and the market.
You also want to buy wood that has been properly dried. That is what determines the stability of the wood and ultimately your deck. If this process has been done correctly it helps prevent your deck from warping.
When purchasing your wood you want to specify that it will be used for decking outside. There is a different drying process for cumaru used for indoor projects. Getting the wrong kind of wood can turn your decking project into a huge hassle.
Before installing your new deck you want to check with your cities rules and regulations for how and if you can build a deck. While there is no limation for using cumaru wood, you want to make sure you are clear on any specifications. It would be a travesty to build a beautiful deck only for it to go against city code.
Another thing to consider is making sure the underlying structure of your deck is built with quality products as well. You want to consider hardware that is specifically designed for tropical hardwoods such as cumaru.
This could include faster clips that blend in with the wood. You could also consider stainless steel screws for a seamless finish across your deck.
One last thing to consider is that your deck can change color over time. If your deck is directly exposed to the sun you could see some fading to its natural reddish color overtime.
A Cumaru Wood Deck Creates the Perfect Deck
There is nothing like having your own deck creating the perfect backyard oasis. Contact us today and let us help you build your brand new cumaru wood deck.