Cumaru

Specs

Common Names

Cumaru, Brazilian Teak

Scientific Name

Dipteryx odorata

Origin

Northern South America

Appearance

Heartwood tends to be a medium to dark brown, sometimes with a reddish or purplish hue; some pieces may have streaks of yellowish or greenish brown. Grain is interlocked, with a medium texture and a waxy feel. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; large pores in no specific arrangement, few; heartwood mineral/gum deposits present; parenchyma lozenge, aliform, confluent, and sometimes marginal; narrow rays, spacing fairly close.

Avg. Dried Weight

68 lbs/ft3 (1,085 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

3330 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

25,390 lbf/in2 (175.1 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

3,237,000 lbf/in2 (22.33 GPa)

Crushing Strength

13,850 lbf/in2 (95.5 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 5.3%, Tangential: 7.7%, Volumetric: 12.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.5

Durability

Cumaru has excellent durability and weathering properties. The wood is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance, with good resistance to termites and other dry-wood borers.

Workability

Tends to be difficult to work on account of its density and interlocked grain. If the grain is not too interlocked, Cumaru can be surface-planed to a smooth finish. However, the wood contains silica and will have a moderate blunting effect on tool cutters. Due to its high oil content and density, Cumaru can present difficulties in gluing, and pre-boring is necessary when screwing or nailing the wood.