Cumaru/Brazilian Teak

Cumaru/Brazilian Teak

What is Brazilian Teak (Cumaru)?

Brazilian Teak, commonly marketed as Cumaru, is an exotic hardwood species native to South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica). 
Key characteristics include:

• Colour: A rich palette ranging from light golden‐brown and honey to deep reddish-brown and occasionally with darker striping or variation.

• Grain & texture: Often interlocked or wavy grain, medium to coarse texture.

• Hardness/density: Extremely hard species — Janka hardness rating around 3,540 lbf (~15,750 N) in some sources.

• Durability: Suitable for heavy-use flooring environments thanks to its natural resilience and density.

Despite the name “teak”, it is not the true teak species (Tectona grandis), but it shares many high-performance traits.

Why Choose Brazilian Teak Pre-Finished Solid Timber Flooring?

1. Premium durability & longevity
Because Brazilian Teak is among the hardest commercial hardwoods, it offers excellent performance in high-traffic living areas, commercial zones or for clients seeking a long-term investment floor.
The pre-finished format means factory-applied coatings (often UV-cured polyurethane with aluminium-oxide topcoat) for immediate use and less site finishing.

2. Striking natural beauty
The warm tones, subtle colour variation and exotic grain make Brazilian Teak a standout choice visually. It provides a premium aesthetic that can elevate a space—from traditional to contemporary.
Over time, the colour may mellow or homogenise slightly but retains its rich appearance.

3. Pre-finished convenience
Boards arrive ready to install: no major on-site sanding, fewer disruptions, cleaner installation. This can reduce project timeline and dust/mess.
Also ensures more consistent factory finish quality compared with site-finished alternatives.

4. Long-term value for homeowners/builders
As solid timber (not just a veneer), Brazilian Teak allows for potential refinishing (depending on wear layer & board thickness) — increasing lifespan and value. It also appeals to clients seeking exotic/native species with strong performance credentials.

Typical Specifications & Features

(Exact specs vary by manufacturer—always verify for your particular product line.)

Benefits for Your Website Audience

• High-end aesthetic — Presents as a luxury/exotic hardwood option, helping differentiate your flooring offering.

• Durable & performance-oriented — Easy selling point for homes with pets, children, or high foot traffic.

• Ready to install — The pre-finished nature appeals to clients wanting quicker turn-around/completion.

• Long-term investment — Solid board format and refinishing capability support premium pricing & durability claims.

• Unique variation — The natural colour variation and grain provide visual interest and authenticity (important for discerning clients).

Considerations & Best Practice Advice

• Installation environment — As a solid hardwood flooring, correct sub-floor preparation (dry, level), acclimatisation of boards, and indoor climate control (humidity) are essential to avoid movement, warping or gaps.

• Not ideally suited for wet zones — Like many solid timber floors, bathrooms/laundries may require engineered alternatives or enhanced moisture-barriers.

• Cutting/machining challenge — Due to its extreme hardness, Brazilian Teak can be tougher to cut/install (blades may wear faster). Installation cost/time may be higher than softer species.

• Colour variation & ageing — Natural boards may vary significantly plank to plank; lighter tones may darken or even out over time with exposure to light. Educate clients accordingly.

• Sourcing & sustainability — As an exotic species, ensure certification (e.g., FSC or sustainable sourcing) to appeal to environmentally-aware clients and meet procurement standards if required.

• Budget vs domestic alternatives — Exotic hardwoods often carry higher cost. Position clearly the value proposition (durability, rarity, aesthetics) versus more common species.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• Use felt-pads under furniture legs and avoid dragging heavy objects to reduce surface scratching.

• Clean regularly: sweep or vacuum with soft-brush attachment; use a pH‐neutral hardwood floor cleaner. Avoid excess water or steam.

• In high-traffic areas, consider protective mats/rugs at entrances to minimise grit and wear.

• Maintain indoor humidity ideally (~40-60%) to reduce seasonal movement of solid timber.

• Monitor finish; when wear appears (dull spots, scratches), check with manufacturer about refinishing options rather than replacing.

• Choose installers experienced with hard exotic hardwoods, ensure proper adhesive/fixings, and follow manufacturer guidelines for expansion gaps and sub-floor moisture content.

• Brazilian Teak solid timber flooring

• Prefinished Brazilian Teak hardwood floorboards

• Brazilian Teak (Cumaru) solid wood flooring

• Exotic hardwood Brazilian Teak flooring Australia

• High-durability Brazilian Teak pre-finished solid timber