Cumaru
AKA Brazilian Teak
Dipteryx odorata
Cumaru Decking
Cumaru is a South American hardwood that is excellent for decking. Its extremely hard, rot resistant and one can expect at least a 25 year lifespan when used for your deck. Cumaru lumber is similar to Ipe in color but has a slightly coarser grain to it. Since it is primarily used for decking it is supplied as a surfaced on 4 sides and eased edge (S4S, E4E) product that can be grooved for hidden fasteners if desired. The standard decking sizes are 1×4 and 1×6 though it should be noted that Cumaru is sold in slightly thicker, true 1″ or 5/4 thickness to provide greater stability. Rough sawn lumber and larger timbers are also available but only on a special order basis.
Cumaru Wood Characteristics
| Character | Green | Dry | Units |
| Bending Strength | 19295 | 27270 | psi |
| Max Crushing Strength | 9020 | 13720 | psi |
| Impact Strength | – | 39 | inches |
| Stiffness | 2690 | 3030 | 1000 psi |
| Hardness (Janka) | – | 3450 | lbs |
| Toughness | – | 265 | in-lbs |
| Specific Gravity | 0.86 | 0.90 | – |
| Weight | – | 71 | lbs/ft3 |
| Density | – | 71 | lbs/ft3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | – | 5 | % |
| Tangential Shrinkage | – | 8 | % |
| Volumetric Shrinkage | – | 12 | % |
