Cumaru Hardwood Decking

Cumaru decking is an extremely durable Peruvian hardwood. It has incredible strength and is naturally resistance to decay, rot, insect damage (marine boring worms termites) and its fire rating makes it a perfect wood for long-life exterior decking, docks, benches and bridges. Rated 25 years against decay and insect damage. Applications that have withstood 50 years, as well as high-use projects such as the Atlantic City boardwalk, are a testament to the longevity of this hardwood decking. With Cumaru decking, the application of sealers is optional. Cumaru naturally weathers to a beautiful, silvery-gray patina. Hardness is approximately 5 times harder than pine, cedar and redwood and over 10 times stronger than composite decking products. Cumaru is harvested from managed-growth forest projects. It is naturally seasoned and then kiln dried to prevent shrinkage.

Q: How does Cumaru compare to IPE?

A:  Cumaru's density, workability, durability and characteristics are nearly identical to that of IPE. (Density @ 12% moisture content of 1,090 Kg/m3. It is highly in resistance to fungi, insect and marine borers. Railroad cross-ties made of Cumaru have lasted 15 years and more.

Q: Does Cumaru require special installation?
A:  Cumaru has incredible density and strength and does require proper working tools. We recommend carbide tipped saw blades and tapered, hardened steel or diamond drill bits. Installation requires pre-drilling of holes. There are several fastener systems on the market.

Q: Does Cumaru require maintenance?
A:  Cumaru is totally maintenance-free after installation. To maintain its rich tone, apply a UV inhibitor such as Penofin.

Left: unfinished Right: finished

Cumaru decking has a more pronounced grain than ipe and it is lighter in color - ranging from light to dark orange. Cumaru weathers to a silver gray patina. Natural durability, strength, and hardness are nearly the same as Ipe. Cumaru is widely used in Europe in preference to Ipe. It is generally less expensive than ipe and less slippery when used in wet applications like boat docks. Like Ipe and Massaranduba, it is stable in service. Description: Fresh heartwood is a reddish-brown or purplish-brown with light yellowish-brown or purplish streaks; upon exposure it gradually becomes uniform light-brown or yellowish-brown.

Mechanical Properties: Janka hardness 2,200 lb. for green material and 3,540 lb. at 12% moisture content. Shrinkage from green to oven dry: radial 5.0%, tangential 7.6%, volumetric 12.0%

Working Properties: The wood is difficult to saw and bore; where severely interlocked grain is not present, the wood planes to a smooth surface. Because of high density and oily nature, the wood glues poorly.

Durability: The timbers have a reputation for being very durable. Laboratory tests also show the heartwood to be very durable in resistance to both brown-rot and white-rot fungi. The wood has excellent weathering possibilities.