Cumaru Cladding
Cumaru cladding, often referred to as Brazilian Teak, is an exceptionally dense South American hardwood built for demanding outdoor use. Known for its strength and longevity, it can last over 50 years with minimal upkeep. Naturally resistant to rot, moisture, and insect attack, it performs reliably in exposed environments. Offering a similar level of durability to Ipe at a more accessible price point, Cumaru is a strong choice for high-spec external cladding projects.
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One of Our Most Durable Hardwoods
Rated Class 1 for longevity and performance, Cumaru’s exceptional density gives it outstanding strength, making it well-suited to exposed and high-demand environments. Naturally rich in oils, it offers strong resistance to moisture, rot, insects, and fungal decay without the need for constant treatment – and with a lifespan often exceeding 50 years, Cumaru provides long-term reliability where it matters most.
It also delivers performance comparable to most Ipe cladding options, making it a practical alternative.
A Rich & Varied Appearance
Cumaru offers tones ranging from golden brown through to deeper reds and occasional purplish hues. Its grain is typically irregular and interlocked, giving each board a more characterful look. Compared to more uniform hardwoods like Balau, Cumaru shows greater natural variation, which adds depth once installed.
Over time, these tones mellow and even out slightly, creating a more consistent finish while still retaining the timber’s natural visual interest.
How Cumaru Weathers
Like most hardwoods, Cumaru will naturally weather over time if left untreated, gradually developing a silver-grey patina. For those who prefer to retain its original colour, a Treatex Rejuvenator oil can be applied to preserve it.
Thanks to its natural oil content, Cumaru already offers strong protection against the elements, meaning ongoing maintenance is minimal. Occasional cleaning and optional re-oiling are typically all that’s required to keep it looking its best.
Profiles & Applications
Cumaru cladding is primarily offered in shadow gap profiles, creating a clean, modern finish with sharp lines and consistent spacing. This makes it a popular choice for contemporary builds where a more architectural look is required. It works equally well across a range of applications, including homes, garden rooms, garages, and outdoor structures.
Suitable for both residential and commercial use, Cumaru can be used externally as a durable facade or, in some cases, internally to carry a consistent design through the project.
Working with Cumaru
Due to its extreme density, Cumaru should always be pre-drilled before fixing to avoid splitting and ensure a secure installation. Its hardness means it can be more demanding to work with, so the right tools and fixings are essential.
Stainless steel fixings are recommended to prevent corrosion and staining over time. As with all timber, boards should be allowed to acclimatise on site prior to installation.
A Premium Choice for Home & Commercial Projects
Cumaru is a material specified with the long term in mind. Its exceptional lifespan means a higher upfront investment is balanced by decades of reliable performance. Well-suited to high-spec residential and commercial projects, it offers the strength, durability and consistency needed for demanding builds, giving you confidence in both the material and the finished result.
If you need guidance on profiles, quantities, or suitability, our team is here to help. Get in touch for straightforward advice to ensure your cladding is specified correctly and performs as expected.
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Need More Help?
How stable is Cumaru cladding once installed?
Once installed correctly, Cumaru offers good stability for such a dense hardwood. Like all timber, it will respond to changes in moisture and temperature, but its density helps minimise excessive movement. Proper installation, including acclimatisation, correct spacing, and suitable fixings, is key to achieving a lasting result.
Is Cumaru cladding a good alternative to Ipe?
Cumaru is often chosen as an alternative to Ipe due to its similar durability and strength. Both are extremely dense, long-lasting hardwoods suited to demanding external applications.
Is Cumaru suitable for modern cladding designs?
Yes, Cumaru is particularly well-suited to contemporary designs, especially when used in shadow gap profiles. Its clean lines and rich tones work well on modern buildings, while its natural variation adds depth and interest. It can also be used more traditionally, depending on the overall design and application.
What should I consider before choosing Cumaru cladding?
Cumaru is a premium, high-performance material, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Consider factors such as fixing methods, installation time, and the tools required due to its hardness. You should also think about how you want the timber to age over time, whether naturally or with oiling. If you’re comparing options, it can be helpful to review other hardwood cladding types to ensure the right fit for your project.
Where is Cumaru cladding best used?
Cumaru is well-suited to high-exposure areas where durability is essential. It’s commonly used on homes, garden rooms, commercial buildings, and larger structures, particularly where a long lifespan and minimal maintenance are important. Its strength also makes it a reliable choice for projects in exposed or high-traffic environments.
Will Cumaru cladding require ongoing maintenance?
Cumaru is naturally low-maintenance thanks to its high oil content and resistance to decay. If left untreated, it will gradually weather to a silver-grey finish. If you prefer to maintain its original colour, periodic oiling is recommended. Outside of this, general cleaning is usually all that’s needed to keep it in good condition.
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