Top 4 Of The Best Features That Make Ipe And Cumaru Premium Hardwoods

When you are looking for density, resistance, durability, hardness, high quality, and  good taste in design, Ipe and Cumaru are the best options if you want a touch of wood in your spaces.

Both Ipe and Cumaru share many qualities and characteristics, such as those mentioned above, as well as their natural properties and beauty that make them premium woods. 

These finest tropical hardwoods can be used for decking, siding, cladding, or any other project you have in mind. Check out the variety, design, and  finish of our premium wood on our website. 

Likewise, our Ipe wood and Cumaru lumber are grade A and can be used for both exterior construction and luxury interiors. Their versatility is another reason why they are our customers’ favorites.

There are many areas where Ipe and Cumaru are very similar. And with these types of woods being the best tropical hardwood species here at Brazilian Lumber, we find it interesting to make a comparison between them.  

Similarities Between Ipe And Cumaru

These two extraordinary wood species are widely used for outdoor construction due to their amazing features that make them resistant to external factors of the environment. Below is a list of the 4 most important characteristics they have in common: 

• Resistance to weather and insect damage
• Durability and hardness
• Low maintenance
• Add beauty to your spaces

1. Ipe And Cumaru Resistance To Weather And Insect Damage

Ipe and Cumaru are classified as very durable types of wood because of their natural oils that make them resistant to rot, mildew, and weathering. 

In addition, their properties make them insect-resistant, and less prone to scratches or splintering. These two features are the reason they are often chosen for high-traffic deck areas such as sidewalks, boardwalks, and backyard decks.

These characteristics make them the perfect material for outdoors and indoors projects, as they tend to last in good condition for many years.

2. Durability And Hardness Of Ipe And Cumaru

Both, Ipe and Cumaru are considered to be the most effective wood decking options in the world due to their toughness, which is frequently compared to iron.

Thanks to their density, these tropical hardwoods can withstand all kinds of threats, such as extreme weather and harsh sun. Because of the natural oils they contain, they will not rot, mold, or be damaged by insects.

Cumaru, like Ipe, has an A1 fire class rating, does not heat up in the sun, and has a high coefficient of friction, which makes both types of wood perfect for outdoor and coastal construction.

They also share a high Janka hardness rating, which measures the wood’s  strength. Ipe wood has a Janka hardness of 3,680 lbf, while Cumaru has a Janka hardness of 3,340 lbf. 

There is a Janka hardness test which is called “high heel test”, which involves putting a .444 steel ball under enough pressure to get it half embedded in a piece of wood.

Ipe and Cumaru are so incredibly tough that they require over 3000 pounds of pressure per square inch. That’s more than twice as hard as red oak or white oak.

Density is another important characteristic of these remarkable woods. Cumaru has a density of 1.07 g/cm³ and Ipe wood has a density of 1.04 g/cm³. Their high thickness and natural impermeability make them very resistant to fungi and decay.

3. Ipe And Cumaru Are Low-Maintenance Woods

Fortunately, most high-end woods like Ipe and Cumaru don’t require very tedious or expensive maintenance.

Although the decks of these types of wood do not require a lot of work to keep them in perfect condition, regular cleaning is necessary. 

Prepare a solution by mixing a gallon of warm water with a quart of powdered oxygen bleach. At the end, you can apply oil to preserve its natural color.

As a basic recommendation, follow these 3 steps for proper maintenance:

• Sweep it daily to remove dirt, pollen, and leaves 
• Wash it and let it dry well for at least 24 hours
• Then oil it with proper products like the ones we sell here at Brazilian Lumber

4. Ipe And Cumaru Add Beauty To Your Spaces

Uniqueness and good style may be the best words to describe the beauty of these extraordinary and high-quality wood species. Their amazing appearance is given by their colors. 

The color of Ipe can vary from reddish brown to a yellowish olive brown. Cumaru, on the other hand, is medium to dark brown, sometimes with a reddish or purple tinge. Both can naturally acquire a nice silvery color when exposed to the sun.

In addition, the fact that the material is wood also increases the attractiveness of a place. Plus, its consistent and smooth texture will highlight the beauty of the new area. 

These are some reasons why these premium wood species are found in every major luxury resort, from the Maldives to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In summary, Ipe and Cumaru are premium tropical hardwoods known for their durability, hardness, high-quality, and natural properties. 

All these remarkable features make them durable woods that can remain in good condition for more than 50 years, even outdoors. But don’t forget our recommendations for good maintenance.