Cumaru Decking

About Cumaru Wood

Cumaru, also known as Brazilian Teak or Golden Teak, is a naturally durable Brazilian timber with a density similar to Ipe. Its consistent golden brown color and moderate cost make it an attractive alternate to more expensive hardwoods such as Teak or Ipe. Cumaru is resistant to rot and decay, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications such as decking. It not only lasts a long time, but has the beauty of an interior hardwood. It outlasts other popular wood decking species such as treated Pine, Cedar, Redwood and Douglas Fir.

ETT stocks standards Cumaru decking (Brazilian Teak) sizes, and offers custom millwork for special profiles or sizes. Cumaru deck facing is partially air-dried (AD), and then kiln-dried (KD) to approximately 15% moisture content for stability. ETT also stocks all the accessories – fasteners, sealers, cleaners, and finishes – to complete your deck

Cumaru FAQ

What spans can I expect from Cumaru?

Due to the strength of Cumaru, you can expect the following spans:

  • 1x (net 3/4″) – up to 16″ on center
  • 5/4x (net 1″) – up to 24″ on center
  • 2x (net 1-1/2″) – up to 32″ on center
  • Diagonal patterns may require shorter joist spacing

We recommend that you check with your local building code before deciding on joist spans.

What grades of Cumaru do you sell?

ETT provides “premium” all heart grade which gives a truly outstanding appearance.  Our decking boards come  “three sides clear” (one clear face and two clear edges).

Can Cumaru be installed on existing SYP pressure treated framing?

Yes, although we recommend that a professional inspect the integrity of the existing framing to ensure it is stable, usable and passes your current city code requirements. We carry the necessary component parts to frame the undercarriage of Ipe decking.

 

Can Cumaru be painted?

It is our experience that due to the wood’s density, oily nature and alkalinity, Cumaru does not accept most paints.  For more details on painting Cumaru, please contact us to discuss.

How do I maintain that original golden brown, rich color?

Cumaru will weather to a silver patina if you leave it in its natural state.  Depending upon your exterior conditions, it can noticeably turn within a few months and can be fully gray within a year.  Should you wish to keep the wood rich and golden brown, apply an oil-based UV inhibitor finish specifically designed for hardwoods such as Ipe.  There are numerous available brands, and we recommend Messmer’s UV Plus for Hardwood Decks.

Cumaru Decking Sizes

Standard: 8' - 20'

Possible Odd Lengths: 9', 11', etc.

Possible Shorts: 2' - 6'

Possible Longs: 21', 22'

Please contact us to find out our current stock levels, sizes and lengths available as they vary at any given time. We also offer millwork services for special sizes or profiles.

Railing Profiles

ETT offers the following stock Red Balau railing profiles:

Sub-Rail

Use this profile for the top and bottom runners of your railing. Screw your 2×2’s or balusters in place between these boards.

Profile illustration of Subrailing

Rail Cap - Curved Top

Use this profile for the top hand rail by fastening it from underneath through the sub-rail.

Rail Cap - Flat Top

Use this profile for the top hand rail by fastening it from underneath through the sub-rail.

Hand Rail

Use this profile for small handrail or stair cases.

Handrail profile

Handrail Assembly

This cross-diagram and photo shows how to assemble the handrail parts.

Tongue & Groove Porch Flooring

Tongue-and-Groove Porch Flooring allows for interlocking of decking boards. This is offered in 1×4 and 5/4×4 Ipe Tongue-and-Groove (T&G) Porch Flooring for exterior covered porches. Red Balau T&G Porch Flooring typically runs in random odd and even lengths from 7′ to 20′.

1x4 T&G Profile

This Profile measures net 11/16" x 3".

5/4x T&G Profile

This profile measures net 15/16" x 3".

Siding

ETT offers standard shiplap siding profiles for exterior vertical spaces. Red Balau Shiplap Siding typically runs in random odd and even lengths from 7′ to 20′. Our standard profile measures net 9/16″ x 4-3/8″ face. Also known as “lap and gap”, we can custom-mill various profiles and sizes by request, please call for details and pricing.

Wholesale Cumaru Decking
Stock Information

4/4


5/4

8/4

Wood Species Guide

Natural woods vary in performance characteristics from one another. This wood comparison chart helps you compare hardness, weight, fungal resistance, and more. Use the wood comparison guide to help you find the right wood for your project.

Locations

Locations are strategically placed throughout the United States to serve our customers. Products stocked at each location are different based on customer needs.