Exotic Hardwood Species: Cumaru and Beyond
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as some other hardwoods; its value is primarily in its color.
Cumaru is similar in density to Ipé, and its more moderate cost and honey brown color make it an attractive alternative to costlier species. Austin, Texas-based Bozovich USA supplies cumaru to the U.S. market from its 450,000 acre FSC-certified timber concession in Peru. Giannina Vick, Bozovich's U.S. country manager, notes that as people have become more environmentally conscious and aware of the importance of FSC and third-party chain-of-custody certification that ensures timber products are sourced from responsibly managed forests, demand for cumaru has grown.
Vick also points out that responsible timber harvesting has a positive revitalizing effect on the Amazon rainforest. "Logging is not the culprit when it comes to deforestation of the Amazon region," she said. "Ninety-five percent of the damage to the forest, wetlands and to animal habitats is a result of changing land use, not logging."
Other exotic species have their pros and cons. The coloring and grain pattern of Muiricatiara or Tigerwood can differ from board to board and
Frequently asked questions
How does Cumaru compare to Ipé for decking?+
Cumaru is similar in density to Ipé but has a more moderate cost and a honey brown color, making it an attractive alternative to costlier species.
Where is FSC-certified Cumaru sourced for the U.S. market?+
Bozovich USA, based in Austin, Texas, supplies Cumaru to the U.S. market from its 450,000-acre FSC-certified timber concession in Peru.
Why is demand for Cumaru growing in the U.S.?+
Demand has grown as consumers become more environmentally conscious and aware of the importance of FSC and third-party chain-of-custody certification, which ensures timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Is logging the main cause of Amazon deforestation?+
According to Bozovich's U.S. country manager Giannina Vick, logging is not the culprit. Ninety-five percent of the damage to the forest, wetlands and animal habitats results from changing land use, not logging.
What is Muiricatiara wood known for?+
Muiricatiara, also called Tigerwood, is known for coloring and grain patterns that can differ from board to board.