Cumaru
Scientific name: Dipteryx odorata
Overview
Cumaru is a dense South American hardwood known for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. Native to Central and South America, it is widely used in both interior and exterior applications where toughness and longevity are required.
Often marketed as “Brazilian Teak,” Cumaru is not a true teak but is valued for its hardness, rich coloration, and ability to perform well in demanding environments.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Cumaru
- Scientific Name: Dipteryx odorata
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Northern South America & Amazon Basin)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 67 lbs/ft³ (1,080 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,540 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to reddish brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Cumaru is identified by its warm brown coloration and fine to medium texture. The grain is typically straight but may show interlocking in some boards. Color variation within a single board is common and can range from lighter golden hues to deeper brown streaks.
Sapwood is usually pale and clearly distinct from the heartwood.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to medium brown heartwood
- Fine to medium texture
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Very high density and weight
Working Properties
Cumaru is difficult to work due to its density but performs reliably with proper techniques.
- Requires sharp carbide tooling
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Machines cleanly with correct feed rates
- Sands slowly but evenly
- Excellent dimensional stability
Its hardness makes it challenging, but finished results are extremely durable.
Safety Note
Dust from Cumaru may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Cumaru is commonly used in demanding applications, including:
- Exterior decking
- Heavy-duty flooring
- Stair treads
- Outdoor furniture
- Structural and wear-resistant components
Its durability makes it a frequent alternative to other high-density tropical hardwoods.
Sustainability & Notes
Cumaru is not currently listed under CITES restrictions and remains commercially available. However, responsible sourcing is important due to concerns over illegal logging in some regions.
Buyers should seek suppliers that provide documentation of legal harvesting and sustainable forestry practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ipe – A very dense South American hardwood widely used for decking and exterior construction, often slightly harder and darker than Cumaru.
Garapa – A lighter-colored tropical hardwood commonly used in decking, generally less dense and easier to work than Cumaru.
Jatoba – A strong and durable hardwood used in flooring and furniture, typically slightly less dense but similar in performance.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood
Understand the fundamental differences between hardwood and softwood species, including structure, growth, and common uses.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and wear resistance of hardwood species.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Dense tropical hardwoods require sharp tools and careful machining techniques to achieve clean cuts and smooth finishes.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Cumaru is less commonly collected for fine woodworking due to its hardness but is appreciated by collectors for its stability and longevity. Straight-grained, defect-free boards are preferred, particularly for structural or accent uses.
Well-seasoned Cumaru is extremely stable and resistant to wear. Older stock that has fully acclimated often machines more predictably than freshly milled material. Proper storage helps prevent surface checking and preserves long-term usability.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
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• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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