Species Guide · Cumaru
Nearly Ipe's toughness and lifespan, at a price that makes a bigger deck possible.
Cumaru is a warm golden-brown to reddish-brown Brazilian hardwood that darkens further with age and sun exposure, settling into a rich, consistent tone across the whole deck. It's the wood contractors reach for when a client wants Ipe-level performance but the budget needs a little more room to breathe.
Characteristics
At a Janka hardness of 2,350, Cumaru comes in just under Ipe's 3,680 but still delivers excellent rot and insect resistance with very stable, minimal humidity movement — a real asset in a climate that swings between soaking and bone-dry. Splintering is rare thanks to its density, and the medium, consistent grain gives an even look across a full deck. Installation is slightly easier than Ipe, though pre-drilling is still recommended, and supply and pricing tend to be more stable, too.
Also Used For
Cumaru's warm tone and density carry over well into flooring and exterior siding, and it's just as workable as a milled tongue-and-groove board or custom trim profile.
Common Questions
Yes — Cumaru delivers roughly 80-90% of Ipe's performance at 60-70% of the cost. It's nearly as hard, nearly as long-lived, and performs just as well in Florida's humidity, making it the go-to choice for contractors who want Ipe-quality results on a tighter budget.
20 to 25 years is typical, with excellent rot and insect resistance and minimal maintenance required to get there.
A warm golden-brown to reddish-brown that darkens further with age and sun exposure, settling into a rich, consistent tone across the whole deck.
Pre-drilling is still recommended, though installation is slightly easier than Ipe.
Yes. Cumaru's warm tone and density carry over well into flooring, not just decking and siding.
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