Cumaru, another name for Brazilian teak, is a very strong and eye-catching hardwood that is becoming popular for interior flooring in homes and workplaces. It provides the ideal fusion of practicality and beauty with its long-lasting performance, exotic appearance, and inherent toughness. The distinctive qualities of Brazilian teak, its origins, flooring alternatives, installation methods, upkeep advice, and where to find it in the US are all covered in this blog.
Brazilian Teak‘s Strength and Beauty
Dipteryx odorata, the scientific name for Brazilian teak, is a tropical hardwood that is indigenous to South America. Since it is a distinct species and not linked to traditional Burmese teak, its name "Teak" may be confusing. Its qualities, however, are on par with or perhaps better than those of several popular hardwoods.
Why Opt for Brazilian Teak?
The Brazilian teak is well known for:
Amazing Hardness: Among the hardest woods for flooring, with a Janka hardness value of 3,540, it is impervious to dents, scratches, and high foot activity.
Natural Durability: This wood doesn‘t need much chemical treatment because it is naturally resistant to pests, dampness, and decay.
Exotic Appearance: Brazilian teak has a gorgeous colour palette that ranges from deep reddish-browns to golden yellows. It frequently has subtle streaks and distinctive grain patterns.
Longevity: Brazilian teak flooring are a wise investment since they may endure for decades with proper care.
Sustainability: Brazilian teak is sourced ethically by many providers, guaranteeing that the wood originates from forests that are managed using sustainable methods.
From the South American Forests
The lush woods of Brazil, along with portions of Peru, Venezuela, and other South American nations, are the origin of Brazilian teak. The trees are renowned for their thick, solid wood and can reach heights of 160 feet. Careful management is necessary while harvesting Brazilian teak in order to protect the tropical ecosystem, and many suppliers adhere to strict sustainability standards like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to guarantee ethical sourcing.
What Are the Available Sizes and Options?
Brazilian teak flooring is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different installation preferences and interior design trends.
Formats and Dimensions
Thickness: For solid hardwood planks, the standard thickness is 3/4 inch.
Width: 3", 4", and 5" are typical widths; bigger planks are becoming more and more common in contemporary interior design.
Length: To create a natural and varied look, planks are frequently offered in lengths between one and seven feet.
Completed Options
Prefinished: These planks have a finish applied in the factory, which ensures a consistent look and speeds up and simplifies installation.
Unfinished: Gives homeowners or designers the freedom to match particular interior colour palettes with custom staining and finishing.
Firm vs Engineered
Brazilian Teak is also offered as engineered flooring, which is more appropriate for areas with greater humidity or temperature swings, even though this site focuses on solid wood flooring.
Brazilian Teak Flooring Installation Guide
Brazilian Teak needs to be handled carefully during installation because of its density and hardness. These are the most widely used techniques:
1. Installation by nail-down
For solid wood flooring over wooden subfloors, nail-down installation—the most conventional option—is the best choice. Given the hardness of the wood, a pneumatic nailer is advised.
2. Installation via Glue-Down
Over concrete subfloors or in circumstances where sound insulation is crucial, this technique performs admirably. Make use of a premium adhesive made for species of dense hardwood.
3. Installation That Floats
Floating installations are more prevalent for engineered wood, although they are less usual for solid wood if the boards have tongue-and-groove connections.
Advice for a Successful Installation
Acclimation: To lower the possibility of warping or gaps, give the flooring seven to fourteen days to get used to your area before installing it.
Setting Up the Subfloor: To prevent problems later, make sure the subfloor is level, clean, and dry.
Control of Humidity: Keep interior humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent to avoid the wood swelling or contracting too much.
How to Maintain Brazilian Teak Flooring
Brazilian Teak floors require little upkeep after installation to maintain its beauty.
Frequent Cleaning
Regular vacuuming or sweeping will help get rid of dirt and debris that could scratch the surface.
Spills and dirt can be cleaned using a moist (not wet) mop and a wood-safe cleaner. Avoid using too much water or harsh chemicals as these can harm the polish.
Preventive Actions
To reduce the amount of wetness and grime on the floor, place rugs or mats at entryways.
To avoid scratches from heavy furniture, use furniture pads.
Steer clear of shoes that could dent or high heels when you‘re walking on the floor.
Extended-Duration Care
Brazilian teak floors may get small dings or scrapes over time. These can be refurbished to bring back the natural lustre of the wood by sanding and applying a fresh finish layer. The factory-applied coating on prefinished flooring may necessitate expert restoration.
Where in the US Can I Purchase Brazilian Teak Flooring?
For your Brazilian Teak flooring to be authentic and of high quality, you must choose a trustworthy provider. The following are a few of the leading US suppliers:
Lumber Liquidators (LL Flooring) provides a large assortment of engineered and solid Brazilian teak at affordable prices with nationwide availability.
BuildDirect offers both prefinished and unfinished Cumaru flooring with direct shipment choices and is well-known for its premium exotic hardwoods.
Damaged Hardwoods
Hurst Hardwoods, a reputable brand for high-quality solid hardwood flooring, provides Brazilian Teak in a range of sizes and finishes.
The Bellawood
Bellawood specialises in prefinished Brazilian Teak with long-lasting factory-applied finishes and is offered by LL Flooring.
Floor and Decoration
Floor & Decor serves both high-end and budget-conscious customers by offering Brazilian Teak in a variety of styles at showrooms located around the United States.
Brazilian Teak‘s Classic Appeal
Solid wood flooring made of Brazilian teak offers a special blend of long-lasting value, unparalleled durability, and exotic beauty. It is a great option for rooms, workplaces, and other interior spaces because of its vibrant colours and inherent durability. Whether you want a sleek, contemporary look or a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, Brazilian teak may improve your area while enduring the rigours of everyday living. This hardwood will continue to be a focal point of your house or place of business for many years to come with the right installation and maintenance.