Massaranduba VS Cumaru
- Leads on lightness, bending strength, machining ease — a narrow but consistent edge
- Close second across most categories
- Solid choice where its profile fits the project
Visual comparison
Winner by category
There isn't one universally best wood — there's a best wood for each purpose.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | Tie |
| Stability | Tie |
| Hardness | Tie |
| Strength (MOR) | Massaranduba |
| Stiffness (MOE) | Tie |
| Flame spread | Tie |
| Machining ease | Tie |
| Lightness | Massaranduba |
Engineering data
| Property | Massaranduba | Cumaru |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 3130WD lbf | 3330WD lbf |
| Density | 0.85WD g/cm³ | 0.87WD g/cm³ |
| MOE | 23.0WD GPa | 22.33WD GPa |
| MOR | 192.2WD MPa | 175.1WD MPa |
| Durability | Class 1 Very Durable | Class 1 Very Durable |
| Stability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Fire (E84) | Class A indicative | Class A indicative |
| Radial Shrink | 6.7WD % | 5.3WD % |
| Tangential Shrink | 9.4WD % | 7.7WD % |
| T/R Ratio | 1.4 | 1.45 |
Figures carry the same source status as the species pages they come from — verified where cited, indicative where marked.
Best for
| Application | Recommended | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor decking / pergola | 🥇 Massaranduba | ★★★★★ |
| Exterior cladding | 🥇 Massaranduba | ★★★★☆ |
| Flooring / wear surfaces | 🥇 Cumaru | ★★★★★ |
| Furniture / interior joinery | 🥇 Massaranduba | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Structural / load-bearing | 🥇 Massaranduba | ★★★★★ |
Advantages & limitations
Massaranduba
Advantages relative to Cumaru
- MOR is 192 MPa vs 175 MPa, about 10% higher
Limitations relative to Cumaru
- Radial shrinkage 6.7% vs 5.3% and tangential 9.4% vs 7.7% — greater movement on both axes
Cumaru
Advantages relative to Massaranduba
- Radial shrinkage 5.3% vs 6.7% and tangential 7.7% vs 9.4% — lower movement on both axes
Limitations relative to Massaranduba
- MOR is 175 MPa vs 192 MPa, about 10% lower
Recommendation
Choose Massaranduba if…
- Bending capacity is the deciding factor — MOR is marginally higher (192 vs 175 MPa)
- The end use is heavy construction — bridges, boat frames, marine or mine timbers
Choose Cumaru if…
- Dimensional stability matters most — lower shrinkage on both axes
- The end use is decking, cladding, or railway sleepers where seasonal movement shows
Frequently asked questions
Which is more durable, Massaranduba or Cumaru?
Neither — both carry the same EN 350 rating (Class 1, Very Durable). For outdoor work the separation is movement, not decay: Cumaru moves 7.7% tangentially against 9.4%, which decides board width and fixing spacing more than the durability class does.
Which wood is better for outdoor use?
Both are EN 350 Class 1, and tangential movement runs 9.4% for Massaranduba against 7.7% for Cumaru — close enough that decay resistance will not choose between them, and Cumaru holds its dimension marginally better. Cumaru gives the harder wearing surface at 3,330 lbf; Massaranduba is the lighter section at 0.85 g/cm³ — traffic favours the first, cladding and handling the second.
Is Massaranduba harder than Cumaru?
No — Cumaru is harder (Janka 3330 vs 3130 lbf).