Cumaru
Also called “Brazilian Teak” is best known for its incredible hardness. It is almost 3 times the hardness of Red Oak. It has a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors that blend to give a look that fits either a formal or contemporary design. While it is an exceptionally hard and stable wood it is very important to acclimate it prior to installation.
- Description:
- Fresh heartwood is reddish brown or purplish brown with light yellowish-brown or purplish streaks; upon exposure gradually becomes uniform light brown or yellowish brown
- Mechanical Properties:
- Janka hardness 2,200 lb. for green material and 3,540 lb. at 12% moisture content. Shrinkage from green to ovendry: radial 5.0%, tangential 7.6%, volumetric 12.0%
- Working Properties:
- The wood is difficult to saw and bore; where severely interlocked grain is not present, the wood planes to a smooth surface. Because of high density and oily nature, the wood glues poorly.
- Durability:
- The timbers have a reputation for being very durable. Laboratory tests also show the heartwood to be very durable in resistance to both brown-rot and white-rot fungi. The wood has excellent weathering possibilities.
- Uses:
- Cogs and shafts, barge and dock fenders, hardwood flooring, tool handles, bearings ,turnery. The substitute for lignumvitae.
The preceding information comes from “Tropical Timbers of the World”, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook Number 607, September 1984. Martin Chudnoff, Forest Products Technologist (retired), Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wis.
