Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionCumaru Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Cumaru is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameDipteryx odorata
Janka hardness3,330 lbf
Average dried weight68 lb/ft³
Best fitHandles
Overview
Why choose Cumaru?
Cumaru is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Northern South America. Common uses include handles, bearings, railroad ties, docks, heavy construction, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, plus other turned objects.
Scientific nameDipteryx odorata
DistributionNorthern South America
ShrinkageRadial: 5.3%, Tangential: 7.7%, Volumetric: 12.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.5
DurabilityCumaru is highly durable and weathers very well.
Cumaru colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is typically medium to dark brown, at times tinted reddish or purplish, and some pieces carry yellowish or greenish brown streaks.
The grain is interlocked, the texture is medium, and the surface feels waxy.
Working notes
Dense, interlocked grain makes cumaru hard to work. If the grain is only mildly interlocked, it can be planed to a smooth surface.
Apart from the usual hazards of any wood dust, no other health reactions are linked to cumaru.
Cumaru should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Cumaru
Best projects
Common uses include handles, bearings, railroad ties, docks, heavy construction, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, plus other turned objects.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Cumaru from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Cumaru FAQ
What is Cumaru best used for?
Common uses include handles, bearings, railroad ties, docks, heavy construction, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, plus other turned objects. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Cumaru beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Cumaru?
The buying section on this page links to any Cumaru Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.