Cumaru for outdoor furniture: Choosing a material that combine strength, aesthetics, and weather resistance for public spaces

From its appearance to its strength, Cumaru is a rather impressive timber species. This South American hardwood is the go-to for a variety of construction projects, from decking to bridges, and has even earned its place in the world of marine timber. Where it is really given the chance to shine, though, is when used for outdoor furniture.

Whether you are sourcing picnic tables for a community park or benches for a pier, learn more in this handy guide about why Cumaru is such a fantastic choice.

The Perfect Balance of Strength and Beauty

Cumaru is one of those timber species which has it all. It is tough, durable, stable and incredibly beautiful, making it a top choice for exterior furniture projects.

With a strength grade of D60, it is one of the strongest hardwoods available and will not budge when used by the public day after day, giving it excellent longevity that has been tried and tested. It also boasts a great resistance to UK weather conditions and insects, and can handle the elements with ease. This makes it a low-maintenance timber species, which is ideal for reducing the upkeep budget on public spaces.

As one of the hardest and densest timbers available, this wood is ideal for furniture which is expected to see a lot of use.

But it is not all about the practical features. Cumaru is renowned for its appearance, with a rich, reddish-golden tone which brings a contemporary warmth to outdoor projects. Known as ‘Brazilian Teak’ because of its distinctive colouring, it is an easy way to elevate a park, pathway or promenade.

Does Cumaru Need to be Pre-Treated?

Even when used by the sea or in the rainiest towns of Britain, Cumaru does not need to be treated before being installed in a public space. Thanks to its great durability, it will not rot in the rain or when in contact with the ground, and even the constant sea spray of the coast does not harm this tough timber.

The only thing we would note is that, if you want to maintain Cumaru’s intensely rich colour, it is smart to coat it with a UV protectant. If you do not, your timber can fade in the sun, slowly turning from red to a rustic silvery-grey. With the right treatment and oiling, however, your Cumaru can actually deepen in colour, becoming as luxuriously toned as Mahogany.

Sourcing Sustainable Cumaru Timber

With the government becoming increasingly focused on green initiatives and sustainable timber, when installing outdoor furniture in a public space, it is crucial that you opt for sustainable Cumaru.

At EcoChoice, we work with responsibly managed forests certified by the FSC®, ensuring your Cumaru comes from sources you can trust. These woodlands prioritise biodiversity, the natural replenishment of tree species and the respect of local communities. They also produce high-quality Cumaru, ensuring your public space project receives the best timber for the job.

Start an Order of FSC-Certified Cumaru

Convinced that sustainable Cumaru is the right choice for your outdoor furniture? To start an order, reach out to our team today.