Cumaru FAQ's
Porta Cumaru Technical Information
Density kg/m3 dry (1) = 1085
Durability in ground (2) = Class 1 - 25yrs+
Resistance to Split (Nailing) = Good
Specific Gravity (1) = 1.0
Durability above ground (2) = Class 1 - 40yrs+
Resistance to Split (Screwing = Good
Hardness (Janka kN) (1) = 14.8
Susceptible to Lyctid Borer = No
Gluing = Fair
Modulus of Rupture MPa dry (1) = 175
Termite Resistance = Resistant
Machining = Good
Modulus of Elasticity GPa dry (1) = 22
BAL Rating (3) = 19
Finish = Good
Radial Shrinkage % (1) = 5.3
Bending = Poor
Stability = Excellent
Tangential Shrinkage % (1) = 7.7
Sanding = Good
Growing Region = South America
Bleed* = Near-zero
(1) Wood Solutions (2) Expected performance (3) Australian Forest Research Company 20161118 (May 2017) (4) AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas *Compared to other hardwoods tested Porta Cumaru demonstrated no apparent or near-zero tannin bleed. However, Porta recommends cleaning of timber prior to installation and using a suitable sealer to protect the timber and minimise any potential run-off of natural resins onto surrounding surfaces.
How to specify Porta Cumaru
Product: Timber will be Porta Cumaru (Dipteryx odorata). Technical Features: FSC® certified, near-zero tannin bleed, with a density of 1,085 Kg/m3, certified Class 1 durability to AS 5604 natural durability above ground and resistant to Australian termites, min. Janka hardness of 14.8kN, a seasoned structural rating of F34 (beams) and bearer and joist width must not be less than 45mm, MOE of 22GPa, MOR of 175MPa, or unseasoned rating of F27 (posts). Where unseasoned Porta Cumaru timber is used, appropriate construction procedures must be adopted to compensate for the shrinkage. Porta Cumaru timber supplied for structural purposes such as posts, bearers and/or joists shall comply to AS 2082 and deck boards timber shall comply with AS 2796. Porta Cumaru timber should be pre-finished in the factory and a quality coating applied on all sides. Cut edges should be end sealed.
Certification: Porta will provide a compliance guarantee with all orders indicating the Porta Cumaru timber has FSC® certification.
Where has Porta Cumaru been used?
Porta Cumaru has been used in a broad range of demanding external and internal construction in domestic housing, commercial construction, and landscaping/civil projects. Click here to view our
case studies.
How does harvesting timber protect the forest?
Logging by certified suppliers protects the forest from forest clearing and unsustainable processes. Our supplier harvests less than 1 tree per hectare every 20 years. Our supplier carefully selects the trees to harvest and follows FSC directed low impact techniques ensuring preservation and investment of the forest, source of income for the workers, preserving the wildlife, and supporting local economy
What does FSC® certified timber mean for Porta Cumaru?
Porta Cumaru is FSC® certified as being responsibly harvested and processed using responsible forest management and practices and certified by a third-party organization. This assures that Porta Cumaru protects the forests biodiversity and ecological processes. Buying FSC® certified timber helps support sustainable forest management, which reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and protects wildlife habitats. Porta is committed to sourcing timber from sustainable and environmentally responsible resources. By focussing on certified timber, we are helping maintain the ecological, sociocultural and economic balance of forest environments by preserving the world’s forests for generations to come.
Where is Cumaru sourced from?
Porta Cumaru is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Peru. Our supplier is FSC certified and harvests the timber in a manner that preserves the forests, wildlife and surrounding communities for future generations. Porta holds Chain of Custody certification which means our suppliers are certified.
Can nailplates be used with Porta Cumaru?
Yes, Porta has conducted laboratory nailplate fixing trials and found the nailplates can produce a stable joint when used with Cumaru timber.
How does Porta Cumaru stand up to UV or sunshine exposure?
Porta Cumaru has been used in external exposed applications such as board walks and wharves, for many years. Our trials show Porta Cumaru withstands severe weather exposure and our experience is that it is highly durable. Read more about Porta Cumaru in the
Atlantic City Boardwalk case study.
Is Cumaru suitable for in-ground applications like posts etc?
Cumaru is ideal for use in external applications such as posts and landscaping. For maximum performance, set posts in concrete to protect them against water. In landscaping applications provide good drainage and protect the timber from static water, where possible.
