Cumaru Deck Restoration in Los Angeles, CA

The deep reddish-brown or rich golden-brown tones of a well-maintained cumaru deck can transform any Los Angeles property into an outdoor haven. Cumaru is beautiful, long-lasting, rot-resistant, and one of the most popular decking materials out there. That said, even this low-maintenance exotic hardwood requires proper care to survive Southern California’s climate.

Refinishing your cumaru deck is an inexpensive way to keep this beautiful wood looking pristine. With our specialized refinishing services, our Teak Master team can restore your cumaru deck, protect it against the elements, and extend its life span. 

What Is Cumaru Wood and Why Consider It for Your Deck?

Cumaru, or Brazilian teak as it’s also known, is a hardwood species that’s dense and durable. Native to South America, cumaru is a great option for outdoor decking as it doesn’t rot, decay, or attract insects. The following are some additional benefits of using cumaru for your decking projects:

• Naturally resistant to decay: Cumaru contains natural oils and resins that repel insects, fungi, and decay, eliminating the need for chemical treatments that can harm the environment or even your family.
• Longevity: With proper care, your cumaru deck will last anywhere from 25 to 50 years.
• Exceptional durability: Cumaru has a Janka hardness rating of 3,540 lbf, meaning it’s is only slightly behind ipe wood. This hardwood can withstand heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, or where pets are active.
• Sustainability: Building your deck from a sustainable hardwood species such as cumaru promotes responsible forest management.

Our Step-By-Step Process for Refinishing Cumaru Decks

Our skilled crew follows a thorough wood deck refinishing process to extend the life of your deck. Here’s a summary of the steps we take. 

Step 1: Inspecting the Deck

The first step to refinishing your deck is assessing its current condition. Before starting off the refinishing process, our pros will inspect your deck for structural problems, loose fasteners, or water damaged areas. We’ll then check for wear, discoloration, UV damage, and how previous finishes have aged.

Step 2: Cleaning

Because of its dense grain structure, cumaru requires special cleaning procedures to maintain its natural properties. We’ll clean the dirt, pollen, and pollutants off the surface in preparation for refinishing. Our cleaning techniques are modern, gentle, and effective and won’t damage the wood’s surface.

Step 3: Sanding and Surface Prep

Admittedly, sanding is one of the key steps in refinishing any wooden deck. This process removes old finishes, smooths over rough spots, and opens the wood’s pores for better absorption of finishing products. After smoothing the surface using professional-grade equipment, we thoroughly clean it to get rid of any dust or debris that might prevent product adhesion.

Step 4: Applying the Finish

We only use high-end products specifically formulated for dense hardwoods like cumaru. These products provide superior protection against UV rays, water, and mildew. We offer traditional stains and sealers as well as advanced coatings for exotic hardwoods. Here’s a breakdown of our finishing process: 

• Pre- conditioning and brightening: For the best results, we use a pre-conditioner and brightener to prepare the wood surface. This prevents blotching and helps the finish penetrate evenly.
• Stain/sealer application: For cumaru, we employ the “flood and back-brush” technique, which entails generously applying the finish before gently working it into the wood with fine brushes for maximum penetration.

For some hardwoods like cumaru, we recommend using an oil-based sealer or a penetrating oil finish to protect the wood from UV rays, moisture, and other environmental factors.

Step 5: Final Inspection and Unveiling

Once the finish has cured, we’ll do a last check to ensure the surfaces are smooth and flawless. We’re proud of what we do, so before we reveal the finished product, we’ll fix any mistakes that were overlooked.

Tips to Keep Your Cumaru Deck Looking Beautiful

Your refinished cumaru deck is very easy to maintain; follow these tips and tricks to take good care of it:

• Clean regularly: At least once weekly, sweep the deck to get rid of any dirt, leaves, and debris. To avoid long-term damage, remove stains as soon as possible using a mild soap and water solution.
• Reapply the protective finish: Over time, protective coatings deteriorate. Regularly reapply the sealant to preserve the wood’s natural luster. 
• Steer clear of harsh chemicals: When cleaning your deck, avoid harsh chemicals. These will strip away the wood’s natural oils and can discolor and damage the finish.
• Install furniture pads: Installing high-quality protective pads under furniture legs distributes weight more effectively and prevents unsightly scratches or water rings that might develop over time. 
• Use rugs or mats: Placing colorful mats and rugs in high-traffic areas on your deck can provide extra protection against wear.

Cumaru Deck Refinishing FAQs