Lumber Name(s): Cumaru, Almendrillo.

Grown in: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Costa Rica.

Description: Brazilian Teak is an extremely hard, dense wood with a tan to brownish-red color. Darker pieces may exhibit some black striping, which adds to its unique character.

Color Range: Brazilian Teak has a wide color range with a medium tan/brown range also including a limited amount of dark reddish brown pieces..

Color Change: Brazilian Teak’s color range will slightly mute over time into a more uniform color range. The lighter tan pieces will patina to slightly darker tan brown..

Where to Use: Brazilian Teak may be used residentially or commercially wherever a rich tan brown color is desired.

Special Characteristics and Issues: Site Sanding/ Finishing: Oil finishes may react adversely/not dry when used on Brazilian Teak. Always test the finish you propose to use first on test pieces to ensure compatibility.

Hardness: 3540

Blunting Effect: The wood exerts moderate blunting effect on tools.

Planing: Cutting edges should be kept sharp and a reduced angle of 20 degrees is recommended for best results.

Turning: The wood has good turning qualities but cutting edges should be kept very sharp.

Moulding: Moulding properties are reported to be good.

Boring: Boring properties are reported to be generally good but cutting edges must be kept sharp.

Mortising: The material is reported to respond rather well to mortising.

Carving: Carving properties are generally regarded as good.

Gluing: The wood is reported to have good gluing qualities.

Nailing: Pre-boring necessary. There is a tendency for the wood to split. Nail-holding properties are good.

Screwing: Pre-boring necessary. There is a tendency for the wood to split.

Polishing: The wood is reported to have good polishing characteristics.

Staining: The material is reported to take stains well.

Varnishing: The material is reported to varnish satisfactorily.

Painting: Painting characteristics are reported to be satisfactory.

Steam Bending: Steam bending properties are reported to be moderately good.

Response to Hand Tools: The wood responds well to hand tools.