Cumaru

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
Brazilian Teak

Durability Notes:
Cumaru is very duarable and has good weathering properties.

Properties:
Cumaru can be challenging to work on due to its density and interlocked grain. If the grain is not too interlocked, Cumaru can be surface-planed to a smooth finish. The wood contains silica and will have a tolerable blunting effect on tool cutters. Due to its high oil content and density, Cumaru can present challengingies in gluing. Pre-drilling is recommended when screwing or nailing.

Typical Uses:
Flooring, Decking, Siding, Outdoor Furniture, Cabinetry, Countertops, Trim.

Moisture Content:
Guide - 12-18% for KD

Interesting Facts:
Its seeds are known as Tonka beans. They are black and wrinkled and have a smooth, brown interior. Tonka beans had been used as a vanilla substitute, as a perfume, and in tobacco before being banned in some countries.

Commonly asked questions about Cumaru Wood

Is Cumaru a hardwood or a softwood? Cumaru is a hardwood. It is the same for; is Cumaru hardwood or softwood? - Cumaru is a hardwood.

Most groups/families of species share the same characteristics but this normally relates to their life as plants. Individual species do not always share the same characteristics as their relatives, in terms of the wood. Many factors influence how we use the wood and what we use it for, including where it grows, how it is forested, how it seasons/dries, etc. The answers to the following common questions, therefore relate to this particular species/wood and not the Cumaru family as a whole. Even more specific – our answers relate to the wood (as we know it) in its form as a useable resource.

What colour is Cumaru? Cumaru can be described as brown, dark brown, dark red, red

Is Cumaru good for outdoor use? or is Cumaru good for exterior use? Cumaru is most suited for exterior/external use. Cumaru can be used as an exterior/external timber (without treatment).

Whether the wood is naturally durable or not we would still recommend that it is decorated and/or coated with a suitable product to provide protection and/or maintain its appearance. This even applies when using the wood internally as, even subtle, changes in temperature or humidity will affect the wood. This will depend on the application/purpose of the wood and the user’s desired appearance. We also recommend that a recoating, care and maintenance programme is adhered to, for the life of an exterior wood. Wood cannot rot if it is kept dry – coatings and decoration can provide this protection. All of that said there are many durable timbers that are often left to weather naturally and will last for many years untreated/coated – movement and visual changes will occur but this is sometimes the desired effect. All wood is hygroscopic (it 'wants' to be in tune with its environment) it will therefore take on water from moisture in the air (or when directly exposed to or submerged in water) and ‘release it’ when dry or exposed to heat. This, inevitably, results in movement and dimensional change. For more about moisture in wood please click here - Moisture in wood

No suitable uses for this timber have been found. This database is constantly updated and uses for this timber will be added in the future.