VISUAL QUALITY OF THE CUMARU DECK
When one enters a Cumaru platform, one will be fascinated by a rich display of a soothing golden tan to a deep reddish brown with long grain accents across its surface. Known as a very dense wood, the Cumarú platform features an interlocking grain with a coarse, wavy texture.
Cumaru decks provide a dramatic and beautiful grain variation. You couldn’t expect to see the exact same look in two pieces of Cumarú decks. Its rich presentation reflects a wild and sophisticated beauty, which is the reason why many five-star hotels and large commercial projects in Brazil buy this type of hardwood for their decking. Wood Stylistically, the Cumarú deck blends seamlessly. problems in any setting, be it modern, traditional or rustic.
STRUCTURAL STRENGTH OF CUMARU DECK
When evaluating the suitability of a particular wood species, the hardness, the various strength elements and the weight of the species should not be overlooked. What makes the Cumarú deck so special are its structural characteristics and mechanical properties that constitute its resistance.
Speaking of durability, the cumaru deck has a remarkable resistance against all kinds of harsh climates and punishments. Without the need for the use of chemicals, it is known that it is also resistant to rot and decay in all the fibers of the wood, it even has the heartwood component of the species. The same goes for issues related to mold, mildew and mold. Be aware that wood may have a small susceptibility to invasion by some insects.
Technically speaking, Cumaru decking measures 3540lbs on the Janka hardness scale, so it will be approximately three times harder than regular teak decking and twice as hard as oak decking. What accompanies and improves the strength of Cumaru decking is actually its density of 1.07g / cm3. The denser the wood will ensure the owners the ability to perform work under pressure due to heavy foot traffic and abrasion.
Another important factor is the flexural strength, the fiber of the Cumaru wood which is 22,400 psi. This translates to the ability to withstand more than 22,000 pounds (about 9,979 kilograms) of pressure per square inch before a Cumaru board can break. The cumaru deck achieves a solid feel, while there is little bounce.
When it comes to the durability and strength rating of typical commercial and residential wood decking materials, cumaru is second only to Ipe (Brazilian walnut) and outperforms many other popularly used woods such as tiger wood, purple heart, yellow pine, etc. The Cumaru maintains the same position in terms of resistance to humidity, and degrees of contraction and expansion.
If you want to build a deck near a fireplace or campfire, the Cumarú proves to be an ideal choice as it has a class A fire resistance, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which is the same rating. awarded to steel and concrete.
SOME TIPS FOR INSTALLING THE CUMARU DECK
It goes without saying that safety always comes first. Therefore, always check and adhere to local building codes. Be sure to wear the proper safety gear for the job when working with hardwood, especially with safety glasses. Take into account the considerable weight of the Cumaru when lifting the wooden boards.
Before installation, you can store Cumarú deck boards away from direct sunlight, such as a garage. To allow the wood to acclimate to the surrounding environment, allow it to sit for a week or two if possible before installation. Otherwise, there is the possibility of cracking, buckling or warping that may result after installation. This tip naturally works with deck boards as well.
Due to its superior hardness and cross-grain, Cumaru wood is not easy to saw and drill with conventional saws, therefore carbide tools are recommended. Also, pre-drilling with a high-quality drill is generally required.
Cumarú deck boards should not be applied to a solid surface such as concrete. To fix the boards to the structure, you can choose to use stringers or beams. Don’t stack the boards too closely together, allow air to flow between them and underneath for long-term stability. A minimum of 24 “clearance above the underlying surface and 3-sided open vent is recommended.
The cumaru deck is actually an inexpensive option, as it is cheaper in installation costs and also in price compared to composite material decks.
There are two options when it comes to finishing a Cumaru deck: You can let it rust and age naturally without applying a finish that will result in a silver / gray color over time, or you can apply finishes to make it natural, keeping the color rich. Because Cumaru does not allow moisture or finishes to easily seep into its structure, you will have to apply multiple coats of a finish on a hardwood species like Cumaru, compared to other softer woods. Be careful not to apply too much, otherwise the surface will be sticky and shiny. Always clean and brush the surface before finishing and re-finishing.
All your hard work will pay off, as you have a Cumarú deck with a useful life of more than 50 years when installed correctly.