Cumaru Decking
Cumaru: Premium Tropical Hardwood with a Warmer Tone
Cumaru delivers the natural durability and coastal resistance of a premium tropical hardwood — with a golden-brown appearance that suits a different aesthetic direction than Ipe.
Cumaru in Florida's Outdoor Environment
Cumaru — also known as Brazilian Teak — is a tropical hardwood from South America with natural durability, hardness, and moisture resistance that make it well-suited to Florida's outdoor environment. It is frequently specified as an alternative to Ipe when a lighter, more golden-toned appearance is preferred. Like Ipe, Cumaru contains natural oils that resist moisture, insects, and rot without chemical treatment. It is rated for ground contact and direct water exposure.
The installation requirements for Cumaru are similar to Ipe: pre-drilling for every fastener, stainless steel hardware throughout, proper acclimation before installation, and gap spacing that accounts for the wood's movement. Its appearance — warm golden-brown tones with subtle grain variation — provides a different aesthetic character than Ipe's darker, more uniform look. For projects where the design direction calls for a lighter, warmer hardwood, Cumaru is the appropriate specification.
Appearance
Cumaru ranges from golden-brown to reddish-brown with subtle grain variation. It weathers to a silver-gray patina if left untreated, similar to Ipe.
Hardness and Durability
Cumaru is one of the hardest tropical hardwoods available — comparable to Ipe in density and natural durability. It resists denting, scratching, and surface wear.
Natural Resistance
Naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and fungal decay without chemical treatment. Appropriate for pool decks, waterfront applications, and coastal environments.
Installation
Like Ipe, Cumaru requires pre-drilling for fasteners due to its density. Stainless steel hardware is required in coastal applications. Acclimation before installation is important for dimensional stability.
Applications
Residential Decks
Pool decks, terraces, and covered lanais for luxury residences. Cumaru's warm tone suits properties where a lighter, more golden appearance is preferred over Ipe's darker color.
Commercial and Hospitality
Resort pool decks, hotel outdoor surfaces, and commercial boardwalks where a premium hardwood appearance is required.
Waterfront and Coastal
Docks, boardwalks, and coastal decks. Cumaru's natural moisture resistance makes it appropriate for direct water exposure.
Cladding
Cumaru can be used for exterior cladding, soffits, and architectural surface applications — the same range of uses as Ipe.
Cumaru vs. Ipe
Cumaru and Ipe are both premium tropical hardwoods with comparable performance characteristics. The primary differences are appearance and cost. Cumaru's golden-brown tones are warmer and lighter than Ipe's dark chocolate brown — a meaningful aesthetic distinction for some projects. Cumaru is typically priced below Ipe, making it an attractive option when the performance requirements are the same but the budget or aesthetic direction differs.
Deckmasters Cumaru Experience
Deckmasters has real-world Cumaru installation experience. Contact us to discuss your Cumaru project.
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