WHAT IS CUMARU WOOD?
Cumaru hardwood is a responsibly harvested high-density Brazilian wood species that grows throughout the northern portions of South America. Due to its beautiful graining and varied appearance, Cumaru, pronounced /KOO'-mah-Roo/, is often referred to as "Brazilian Teak".
Cumaru lumber is very resistant to decay and insects which makes it an ideal material option for exterior projects like wood decks, outdoor furniture, pergolas, gazebos, boardwalks and more.
It is available FSC® certified, if desired, and priced competitively to - and often lower than - many composite decking options.
See what Cumaru looks like finished and unfinished in the video on this page below.
What Makes Mataverde Premium Cumaru Decking Stand Out?
Mataverde® Cumaru decking offers long lasting strength, durability and beauty at an affordable price-point. Much like Ipe wood and other Brazilian hardwoods, Cumaru hardwood has a remarkable toughness and strength making it an ideal decking choice for residential, commercial and public decks, boardwalks and more.
Mataverde Cumaru lumber and decking is also available FSC® certified. As part of Mataverde's commitment to the environment, our Cumaru decking and lumber is a rapidly renewable hardwood species (as with all of our natural wood products) which has been responsibly harvested and sourced.
We also offer Cumaru decking and lumber that is FSC certified which will contribute toward a project's LEED certification.
RELATED: DOWNLOAD THE MATAVERDE CUMARU DECKING FACT SHEET
Cumaru is so resistant to insect and weather damage, it comes with a Mataverde warranty.
Download the Mataverde 25-year limited warranty information
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The Beauty of Cumaru: Color and Graining
Mataverde® Premium Cumaru Hardwood Decking is all heartwood and can range in color from yellow-y browns to reddish brown to a purplish cordovan color. Although the coarse, interlocking graining of Cumaru decking and lumber can appear similar to red oak, the exotic color range is dramatically different.
The grain variation of Cumaru is both dramatic and beautiful. Like a hardwood floor on the inside of a home, no two pieces will have exactly the same appearance. This rich variation of this Brazilian hardwood reflects the untamed beauty of this spectacular, all natural exotic hardwood species.
Cumaru exhibits lots of tropical character, striping and color variation and will develop a silvery gray patina over time if you choose to let your decking weather naturally. Check out photos of Cumaru hardwood decking projects from all over the U.S. in our Cumaru Decking Photo Gallery for more great inspiration.
What does Cumaru wood siding material look like? Check out this video to see it finished and unfinished:
Would you like to see Cumaru for yourself? Order a deck sample today.
Mataverde Cumaru Appearance Options
What does Cumaru hardwood look like as it weathers and ages? It is well known for its strength and durability - it lasts a very long time. Cumaru is still a natural wood, and all exterior hardwoods will perform and behave differently when exposed to weather conditions and extremes.
Unfinished Cumaru will darken slightly when it is first exposed to UV and weather. If you would like to darken it more, and blend out the color tones, a coat of a UV inhibitive sealer, such as Penofin Hardwood Formula, works great. From that point, you can allow your deck boards to weather or apply another coat of oil as needed.
Would you like to learn more and see the rest of this story? Download the comprehensive FREE GUIDE, "How Exterior Hardwoods Weather".
Mataverde Cumaru Amazing Physical Properties
Mataverde Cumaru Decking is a high-density Brazilian hardwood species that is extremely tough. A very dense wood with an irregular, interlocked grain and a coarse, wavy texture. Cumaru lumber is rated as Class A Fire Resistant materials. With a density that is even higher than Ipe, Cumaru is very resistant to termites and decay and can withstand all types of traffic and punishment.
Mataverde Cumaru Decking has good dimensional stability and shows some minor movement after it is kiln dried. Mataverde Cumaru is kiln dried to help minimize shrinkage and checking to provide a very stable deck surface that is just right for you.
Mataverde Premium Cumaru Decking lasts...and lasts beautifully.
Mataverde® Cumaru Decking is so long-lasting it carries a 25 year limited warranty against decay and insects.
Need more facts to make a decking decision? We have more information to help you:
Cumaru Decking vs. Other Wood Decking Materials
Cumaru Decking vs. Synthetic Decking
Durability
Cumaru is classified as a very durable wood species. From a durability standpoint, it is extremely hard and dense and will resist all types of extreme weather and punishment. Mataverde® Cumaru Decking has an extremely high performance rating and is naturally resistant to decay throughout all fibers of the wood. The high density and natural oils of Cumaru decking and Cumaru lumber make it highly resistant to termite attacks as well.
Hardness
Cumaru has a hardness of 3,340 lbs (more than double the toughness of Oak). The only high density hardwood decking product that is harder than Cumaru is Ipe.
Fiber bending strength
Cumaru decking and Cumaru lumber have a bending strength of 22,400 psi. That means it would take over 22,000 pounds of pressure per square inch to break a Cumaru board. The amazing strength of Cumaru wood is second only to Ipe among high density hardwoods. That is why a deck built with Cumaru has such a solid feel when you walk on it. Cumaru decking has very little "bounce" to it.
Density
Cumaru hardwood is so dense (1.07 g/cm3), it will actually sink in water. The high density of Cumaru helps contribute to its remarkable hardness and ability to withstand lots of abrasion and foot traffic. Like Mataverde Ipe, kiln dried Cumaru decking is also very resistant to wear and tear.
Fire resistance
Mataverde® Cumaru has been tested and received a Class A fire rating. The ASTM E-84 testing conducted on Mataverde Cumaru decking meets the same requirements as the IBC (International Building Code) and the ANSI/NFPA (American National Standards Institute/National Fire Protection Association) to meet a Class A fire rating.
The natural fire resistance of Cumaru wood, makes it a great choice for residential, commercial and public decks.
Trying to decide what is the best decking material for your project?
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Cumaru Decking Installation Tips and Techniques
Cumaru is such a hard decking material, special fasteners and installation techniques have been developed to make installing it easier and better than ever. There are several hardwood decking installation methods to choose from.
Pre-Drill
The traditional method of installing hardwood decking is to pre-drill hardwood decking and then fasten the deck boards with stainless steel screws directly into the wood deck joists. We have found that face-screwing deck boards is hands down the strongest and most secure method of fastening a Cumaru deck that you can be proud of years to come.
Hidden Fasteners
If you do not wish to see screw heads exposed on your Cumaru decking boards, AND you have adequate ground clearance and ventilation, a hidden fastener can be used. The Mataverde Eurotec hidden fastener makes for a quick decking installation. If you choose this installation method for Cumaru decking, however, we strongly suggest using narrower deck boards, such as 5/4 x 4 nominal size.
Ejector Screw
For large scale projects, the Ejector Screw is a major labor saving option. This method requires no pre-drilling and will securely fasten Cumaru decking to a proper substrate such as wood joists or sleepers.
CLICK HERE for installation techniques for Cumaru Decking and other hardwood decking species.
Care and Maintenance of Cumaru Wood
As with any deck material (wood or synthetic decking), Cumaru decking should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris. Regular cleaning will actually extend the life of wood decking materials, including Cumaru decking. For an extremely low maintenance option, this Brazilian hardwood can be allowed to weather naturally to a graceful silvery patina.
If you prefer the rich natural colors of Cumaru wood, you can put a coat of Penofin sealer, or other appropriate product, on your deck boards. This natural oil finish will darken and enrich the tones and color of your Cumaru decking.
MORE ABOUT CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CUMARU HARDWOOD
Mataverde® Cumaru Featured Project:
CONEY ISLAND BOARDWALK
Photo: Mataverde Cumaru decking is installed on the Coney Island Boardwalk in Brooklyn, NY
New York's legendary Coney Island Boardwalk was rebuilt using FSC certified Mataverde Cumaru decking.
Extremely long lasting, tough and resistant to decay, insects and fire, Mataverde Cumaru makes a beautiful and long lasting addition to this American landmark.
See more:
Cumaru Decking Project: Coney Island Boardwalk Reconstruction
How Does Cumaru hardwood compare to other decking options?
Cumaru hardwood decking is an all natural sustainable decking material that outshines lower quality decking material options like other wood decking, composite decking, plastic decking, and more in nearly every measurable performance rating. How Does Cumaru Stack up Against Other Types of Decking? Read more at the links below.
Compare Ipe Decking to Cumaru Decking
Cumaru Decking vs Synthetic Decking
Cumaru Decking vs Other Wood Decking
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