Tropical Hardwood

Cumaru Red

Cumaru Red (Dipteryx odorata), also known as Brazilian Teak, is an exceptionally hard, wear‑resistant and durable tropical hardwood originating from northern South America. The heartwood has a warm red‑brown to deep brown tone that becomes richer and more uniform under sunlight. Cumaru is known for its very high density, superior moisture resistance, and outstanding durability, making it one of the top choices for demanding exterior applications such as decking, façade cladding, walkways, bridges and heavy structural work.

With its natural durability class 1 and extreme abrasion resistance, Cumaru Red is frequently used as an alternative to Ipé — especially in architectural projects where both warm aesthetics and uncompromising performance matter.

Delivery subject to stock availability.
Free pick up in our warehouse at Zottegem.
Shipping within Europe possible.

Qualities
Cumaru Red is a very dense, heavy hardwood with a fine, waxy texture and characteristic interlocked grain. The colour varies from red‑brown to purple‑brown, sometimes with yellowish streaks. When machined, the wood emits a faint vanilla or cinnamon‑like scent.
Key Characteristics
- Extremely durable — durability class 1 (very durable)
- High density: approx. 1,070–1,090 kg/m³ at 12% MC
  (confirmed range: 1,085 kg/m³)
- Colour: warm red‑brown to deep brown, darkening with light exposure
- Exceptional hardness: Janka ≈ 3,330 lbf (comparable to Ipé)
- Excellent weather resistance
- Interlocked grain: minor risk of twist or tear‑out during planing
- Pre‑drilling required due to extreme density
- Natural resistance to insects & fungi
Applications
Cumaru Red is one of the most versatile tropical hardwoods on the market and is used for a wide variety of heavy‑duty applications.
Exterior Applications
- Premium decking
- Façade cladding & sidings
- Bridge decks, walkways & passerelles
- Acoustic screens & outdoor furniture
- Pergolas, balustrades & exterior stairs
- Heavy structural work & industrial use
  (strength, durability and hardness suitable for extreme conditions)
Interior Applications
- Parquet & high‑hardness flooring
- Stair components
- Furniture parts & decorative panels
- Turnery (dense, smooth‑finishing hardwood)
Technical specifications
Durability Class
- Class 1 — very durable (heartwood)
  High resistance to decay, fungi and wood‑boring insects
Working Properties
- Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain
- Tear‑out possible during planing
- Gluing is challenging due to oil content
- Produces smooth surfaces with the right tooling
Colour
- Red‑brown to purple‑brown
- Evens out with UV exposure over time
Density
- ± 1,070–1,090 kg/m³ at 12% MC
  (confirmed value: 1,085 kg/m³)
Mechanical Properties
- Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): approx. 22.33 GPa
- Radial shrinkage: 5.3%
- Tangential shrinkage: 7.7%
Volumetric Stability
- Moderate — risk of end‑checking and slight distortion if improperly dried
Biological Durability
- Highly resistant to fungi and termites